Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Martin.
Hi Sydney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska – but put away everything you think about Alaska. I did NOT get to school riding behind a dogsled or live in an igloo! In fact, outside of the darkness and long winters, Anchorage is much like many urban cities. We DO have gorgeous scenery, amazing fishing, snow sports, and wildlife… and Alaskans are a very special kind of people! No matter where I go, I will always call Alaska home. By second grade, I was placed in special school for highly gifted kids, and I ended up graduating from high school a year early. After pursuing lots of passions throughout my childhood (pageantry, ice skating, gymnastics, cheer, dance, modeling, acting, photography), it was clear Los Angeles, the land of opportunity, was where I needed to be. So, freshly out of high school I moved from Anchorage to Los Angeles to pursue my passions. My mom also moved to California to be near me. Family is precious.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s lots more to my story: my family imploded when I was six and my dad walked out, our house burned down when I was nine, we lived in our motorhome, homeless, waiting for the rebuild, I struggle with depression and anxiety, I am unimpressed with celebrity, not easily fooled by people who lack character, and I keep my circle tight. I don’t regret the hard parts of my life – in fact, I am stronger, more understanding, and have more self-awareness than most people because of the hell I’ve lived through!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m blessed to still be working during the pandemic. My main profession is modeling, but this past year I’ve been pursuing acting as well! I’ve been fortunate enough to shoot for clothing brands like BoutineLA, Pretty Little Thing, Twenty1 Rich, and many more! I’ve also been featured in 30+ music videos for some of the world’s biggest artists like Chris Brown, Travis Scott, Young Thug, and many other thriving musicians! These shoots are my favorite job because the sets are often a more relaxed environment where the artists and models can really enjoy themselves while still creating art that gets viewed by millions of people. I’ve been extra busy as of late because I’m working on a CW show called “All American”! I recently was fortunate enough to become a SAG-AFTRA union member. I’ve worked on set for shows on FOX, Netflix, and CBS through my casting agency – and hoping to do more! My Instagram account (x.sydneyy.x) has also been a source of income. I’ve gained a following through posting about my adventures and work in the city of angels! Paid promotion for clothing brands and newly released music through Instagram has become a popular way to draw an audience.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I had no idea what I was walking into moving to Los Angeles. I knew there would be obstacles when it came to chasing my dreams, especially in the industry I had chosen, but nothing could mentally or emotionally prepare me for the challenges LA has forced me to face. Was I probably a little naive coming from a relatively small and remote city? Yes, but I have learned fast… The advice I have is not necessarily specific to the modeling or acting industries, however, there are several things I wish I knew before blindly immersing myself in LA culture:
– KNOW WHO YOU ARE Really be firm in who you are before coming to LA. People will aggressively try to change your character, but stay strong.
– NETWORK One of the most important things I learned is that just having talent will not get you in higher positions, people will. Your network is just as or more important than your craft.
– Have mentors, wise people speak into your life.
– Always have an “out” LA can be very dangerous, especially for women. If you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings, always make sure you have an escape route; drive your car, stay sober, etc.
– Not everything that glitters is gold The flashy, glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood portrayed on social media and television is often a facade.
– Authentic people, real friends, want NOTHING from you. LA is the land of opportunists. Guard your heart, belongings and bank account!
– Be serious about your money Greediness is not uncommon in LA, so be serious and observant about receiving payment for work, legitimacy of gigs, and giving your personal information out to “employers.”
– Never stop learning and growing Every experience is an opportunity for knowledge to be gained.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://linktr.ee/x.sydneyy.x
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/x.sydneyy.x?igshid=eawv57o9g7g
