Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Hilgart.
Hi Patrick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As I reflect on how my life has taken shape, the quality that comes to mind is curiosity. Outer circumstances change, but curiosity is the quality that threads throughout my life as far back as I can remember.
As a child, I was very introspective. I wanted to know how and why things worked. I was always contemplating, observing, and asking questions. I lived in my imagination. I spent most of my free time consuming music, novels, film, television, and comic books.
My brother, Bill, and I would ditch school and go down to the comic book shop where we’d spend hours immersed in the stories and the artwork in the pages.
I began filling my own sketch books with hyper realistic drawings of imaginary creatures, fashion, architecture, superheroes, and still life portraits. I felt drawn to perform so I joined a dance studio where my sister, Kelly, and I performed recitals in ballet, tap, and hip hop dance.
Ultimately, soccer became my top priority. In High School, I was named Captain and MVP of the Conference. My club soccer team placed 1st in State, 1st at Regionals, then went on to the National Tournament, where we placed 3rd best team in the Nation. I received Scholarship offers to play NCAA soccer, where I pursued Art in higher education.
I was a Fine Arts major with a focus in Ceramics before changing course to Double Major in Graphic Design & Communications. After graduation, I moved to Chicago and worked in restaurants while I built a freelance portfolio of graphic design clients. I leveraged that work to land my first job in LA. For the first year in Los Angeles, I bounced around Graphic Design gigs. I found the work challenging and creatively stringent.
My life changed course after I flew to Costa Rica to design a website and marketing material for a client. It was in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, where I was unexpectedly introduced to plant medicine for the first time. I participated in four nights of ceremonies facilitated by an amazing Brazilian Shaman at a beautiful retreat center.
During these ceremonies, I was able to reframe and let go of old beliefs and judgements that had calcified in my consciousness. By the fourth night, the guidance was so clear. I was shown a new path forward.
I returned to LA and put in my two weeks at my full-time Graphic Design gig. I started waiting tables again, and auditioned for an improv class. From there, my life opened up. I landed an agent and started auditioning. Today, I have wonderful Representation. I’m booking roles in film and television, and developing my own projects.
It’s been a long journey to get to this place. At the same time, I know it’s just the beginning. I’m very thankful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had to persevere despite many setbacks. However, I’m getting more and more efficient at navigating obstacles when they are presented.
Because of the way our industry is structured, I often find myself in challenging situations. Frequent rejection, questions around self worth, issues with comparison, and financial gymnastics. However, I understand that opportunity for growth is particularly present during moments of struggle.
So, I continuously ask myself, “What can I do right now to shift into higher consciousness and reframe this ‘perceived setback’ as a learning opportunity? How can I change this story and use it as fuel to support myself in experiencing a different outcome in the future?”
I’ve learned to grow despite difficult circumstances, and have compassion for myself along the way. More often than not, I’m surprised by my ability to overcome diversity. Each time I do, I come away with a new perspective, and a deeper understanding of myself, my process, and the world around me. I’m very proud of that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Last year, I was up for the lead role in the prequel of a major film franchise. Most recently, I filmed a co-star in New York for Season 2 of ‘Feud: Capote’s Women’. I have two films coming out this year, a rom com called, “Worst Date, Best Date,” and “Abigail,” a horror film set in the 1970’s. I have also written a handful of television pitches and film scripts, which I hope to produce in the future.
I think what I am most proud of is a Play I wrote last year called, “The Nice Guy.” I wrote it during a period of my life where I was letting go of a lot of pain. I used that experience to inform the writing, and I’m very encouraged by the reaction it’s received so far.
I plan to produce and perform it in late 2023-early 2024. I’ll be posting about it from my social channels as the project continues to develop.
What matters most to you? Why?
That’s tough! I think what matters most to me is that I am enjoying life as much as possible. If I am lucky enough to grow old, I want to look back on a life filled with joyous memories, enriching experiences, bellowing laughter, genuine connection, and relationships which inspire me.
I won’t hang my hat on any achievement, or the number of zeros in my bank account. I will measure my life based on the quality of my experience – and since tomorrow’s never promised, I chose to enjoy today. My intention is to make choices that support me in experiencing as much joy and pleasure as I possibly can while I’m given the chance. For my highest good, and the highest good of all concerned!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/patrickhilgart
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.hilgart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/patchhilgart
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/patrickhilgart
Image Credits
Cameron Thrower
