Today we’d like to introduce you to Campbell
Hi Campbell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My artistic journey started at a small ballet studio in Decatur, Georgia. This is where a small seed, that would bloom in great deal, was planted. As a child, my family moved around quite a bit. However, the remaining constant in my life was always the love in my family and dance. Dance was my language for expression, my favorite pastime, and one of my parent’s most consistent bills. Once we settled in Dallas, Texas, where I spent majority of my adolescence and life, dance would begin to open new doors of opportunity. After traveling with the Pulse Dance convention as a Pulse protege, an elite group of dancers chosen by the renowned faculty, I began high school, which was a huge deal because I had been homeschooled for most of my life. This was my first foray into big girl world and I absolutely loved it! Not that it was a surprise to anyone but me, I loved socialization, school, and making new friends! In fact, my overexcitement and zeal for school often categorized me as a “homeschool freak from Africa” (I hope someone catches that reference). This enthusiasm was noticed by my freshman year pre-AP English teacher, who encouraged me to explore our theater department. From there the rest is seemingly history. After falling in love with the performing arts, I attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a BFA in Acting, where I was an inaugural member of their competitive Actor Training Program. Following my graduation, I moved to Los Angeles with dreams of grandeur. 10 years later, I am a screenwriter, director, actress, choreographer, stylist, content creator, and most importantly to me, a follower of Christ. My story is very much still in the making and evolving. I am beyond grateful for my upbringing as it has heavily shaped my journey as an artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth is probably the last word I would use to describe my journey. Not shortly after I moved to Los Angeles and began my professional career in the Entertainment Industry, we were hit back to back with unprecedented, life-changing events. First, the global pandemic and second, a heated, contentious strike. There have been so many obstacles and unseen foot-holes that have thwarted the aspirations of so many, myself included and these are only outward, circumstantial challenges. Let’s not venture into the many personal struggles I would have to overcome and face. In an effort to save time and maintain some privacy, I will share my greatest and personally, most important feat to date. My greatest challenge came in the form of finding self worth, identity, and confidence in an industry that seems to assess value by outward accolades and success. There’s this completely agonizing conundrum of looking for work and experience, but needing prior work and experience to secure said opportunities. Add this with an ounce of insecurity, fear, or doubts about yourself or future and you have the perfect recipe for a mental breakdown. I don’t mean to exaggerate or make light of serious mental health issues, but the greatest feat, and battle I still face, is the one of my mind. I read recently that confidence can be built on on personal or professional achievement, as one may feel more confident in themselves or a certain topic by way of their achieved success in said area. However, self worth is completely internalized and quantified by the individual. I had to learn that my self worth was not attached to my success, awards, and accomplishments in my career. I am worthy because I am alive, beautiful, kind, loving, creative, amongst many other things. I choose what to value within myself and the sweet spot is having confidence in that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an emerging screenwriter and director. I am also a choreographer, actress, and content creator. I have so many interests and passions that it can be hard to categorize myself into just one. However, I am most proud to call myself a creator. I create many things out of nothingness and I pride myself on this ability. Currently, my favorite way to create is through writing for Television and Film. For many, the blank white page is a daunting image. For me, it’s right where the magic begins. My desire is to uplift the collective consciousness with thought-provoking, entertaining media. Many people who are familiar with my work describe it as humorous, poignant, and provocative. I am a Christian storyteller, heavily imbuing my films with biblical principles and teachings. However, this ain’t no cookie-cutter, sappy family films. I desire to be the first of hopefully many Christian creators, making arthouse, critically acclaimed films for the mainstream. Genres I love to explore include Horror, Thriller, Romance, and Comedy. My intention is not to force feed audiences religious rhetoric, but to inspire hope, purpose, and healing through the means that have been of great benefit to myself and countless others. I also want to provide visibility and reflection for Christians who often do not see themselves represented in honest portrayals in the media. Lastly, a life of faith is not always easy and I hope to highlight the trials, tribulations, and ultimate, eternal victory of believers.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Resilience. Which is defined as “the ability to adapt to and overcome difficult situations while maintaining psychological well-being.” Emphasis on the maintaining psychological well-being. The entertainment industry is not for the faint of heart. There are many days I want to abandon my dreams and calling. However, cultivating strong resilience and faith in the divine timing of my life has been a paramount tenet to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.831curation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writtenbycampbell/?__d=11
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellcamp/
Image Credits
Steph Bell Photography
Mikayla Rodriguez Designs
