We recently had the chance to connect with Amère Blackwell and have shared our conversation below.
Amère, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I usually wake up and go to the gym. I really like doing something that gets my energy flowing in the morning, it sets a good foundation for my day. I the go home and have a good meal, work on some music, send out self tapes, the usual. every day looks different though. sometimes I’m making clothes because I’m bored with what’s in my closet, sometimes I’m breaking down a script, every day is different and that’s perfect to me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an Actor and Musician. I always knew what I wanted to be, but it took me a long time to find myself in those spaces. I studied music and acting religiously, but got so in my head about performing or sharing work that was uniquely my own. In my late teens/ early adulthood I struggled with being chronically ill. I always thought it was a curse that hindered me from achieving what I wanted, but it was a blessing. It forced me to step away from everything and come back with fresh eyes and a different perspective. I now have a better understanding of how I create, which seemed unreachable before my illness. I’m happy to say I have some exciting projects in the works, and I’m proud to share what I’ve created.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Both of my parents, even though they’re both polar opposites. my dad lives, sleeps, and breathes what he does. he’s works in STEM, but has such a creative perspective on technology and science. He’s shown me that if you don’t quit and trust yourself you can go far, especially if your work is good. My mom taught me what it takes to perfect something while have an objective eye. It takes 1,000 hours to perfect a skill, 10,000 hours to master it. During that time, it’s important to correct yourself, such to not learn bad habits. She taught me how to correct myself, and how to have an eye for aesthetics, which is important when you’re creating little worlds for others to explore.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In the midst of my illness, I almost gave up being an artist. At my worst, I had no energy and couldn’t eat anything. I kept going through extensive treatments with minimal progress. I eventually had to move back in with my parents to sort this out. It was exhausting. I felt like I was just wasting my time away, watching films and sleeping. Before I got sick, my dreams were huge. I never put a limit on what I could achieve, because I knew I wouldn’t stop till I reached it. I still had the mental energy, but physically I was unable. I felt like I was a prisoner in my own body, it was torture to mentally have the drive to do things with no body to support it. It was my own personal purgatory. I eventually gave up on feeling better. I accepted that this might be the best I’ll ever get, and I came to terms with that. I had one last treatment I could try, figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. Then it happened, not overnight, but within a month I had more energy. I slowly started doing more. I got back to working on set, and decided to give music another try. Acting and Music are the reasons I live, they are the reason I fought to get myself back. Though I accepted my health for what it was, I never lost hope that I could get better one day. That hope carried me to where I am today.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Talent is commitment and persistence, not natural ability. I was not a talented kid. I wanted to sing but couldn’t hold a tune, I wanted to dance but I had weak ankles and a naturally turned in foot, I wanted to act but lacked depth. But I didn’t let that stop me. I sang and danced around the house constantly, and even my mom would agree that I needed some work. So after long enough she put me in classes. Learning more about things made me want to do it more, so eventually I came into my own. I may not be as talented as some people but I’ve came a long way from my start, even with some bumps in the road.
I think people can be naturally talented, but it’s easy to get lazy when something comes naturally. It’s hard to develop the persistence and commitment to developing a skill you innately have. We all start at different places, and that’s not always a bad thing, what really matters is how far you’ve gone from where they started. Like the tortoise and the hare, it seems like a curse to be a tortoise, but who one in the end?
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What light inside you have you been dimming?
Expressing myself truthfully. I’m slowly finding it again, but it’s easy to lose and hard to find once you lost it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amereblackwell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amereblackwell/
Image Credits
Amère Blackwell, Richard Kates
