Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel McMahon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child, I was always inclined towards the arts. My dad makes jokes about how my mom probably still has drawings I did in the womb. I grew up trying everything, from drawing and painting, to writing poetry and composing music, to photography, videography, acting and modeling. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was pretty good at all of those things. I was on track to going to college for graphic design back in 2011, I had finished an amazing music project with a talented friend of mine who now goes by SYO, I was doing freelance photography and working at a studio, and eventually I went to IMTA in 2015 with Neal Hamil Agency where I discovered my talent for acting. I took a break between 2016 to now to go back to college. But now, I’m currently trying to find my way back to the things I love. I feel like I have an amazing story to tell; one day, I may write a book because this interview can’t hold it all!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Has it been smooth? That’s funny. Not in the least, but I feel like the bumps in the road are where the growth happens in us. I’ve encountered obstacles that were outside of my control, like being denied a loan to go to the University of North Texas, or going to acting auditions and not making the cut. I’ve also made some poor decisions based on not believing in myself, like avoiding an internship at iMix Studios with Bruce Bang, or listening so much to other people’s concerns that I ignored myself and my happiness. By ignoring and not believing in yourself can lead to losing yourself entirely. Trust me, I know. The not believing in myself part is huge too because I wasted a lot of time, and that is one thing you just can’t recover. But what I’m focusing on recovering now are the parts of myself that I lost by reconnecting with God – that’s a major key, THE key, but that’s a whole different interview!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with arielthecreator – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as an artist and what sets you apart from others.
I am a professional creator in recovery, hence my Instagram handle. I say recovery because I’m at a point in my life where I’m almost completely starting over. I can draw, write, play piano and produce music, take pictures, do makeup, model, act, I mean, the list does not end! I’d say that my specialty is not quite limited to one particular thing because I love all of it equally. I believe the thing that sets me apart is that I can take an idea and run a million ways with that idea. I literally have a journal full of different ideas, and my iPhone notes and voice memos are full too!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Right now, I’m transferring from Houston Community College to Texas Southern University to pursue my Bachelor’s in Accounting because let’s face it, the creative industry is a little shaky until you can find your place. This is my “supporting my dreams” plan. I just re-signed with my mother agency, Neal Hamil, after being gone for a little over 3 years. I’ll be on a screen or billboard near you shortly! Eventually, once I fully get back into my passions, I’ll have a website up. In my journey to believing in myself again, I am a contestant for the Miss Houston Pageant in 2020, crazy! I currently workout with Nine Innovations, and my trainers Chris and TC have been doing me in! I’m almost ready to star in an action movie! (The next Lara Croft, maybe??) I have been working on a t-shirt line for women called Femme Faith, so follow my Instagram to see more news on that. And I’m just reaching out to old and new friends to work with to create and have fun! I’ve missed the community so much, and my goal this summer is to just immerse myself in it. So, if you’re a creative reading this or just someone who needs a creative mind, please reach out! I’m ready to work if you are!
Contact Info:
- Email: hireari@gmail.com
- Instagram: arielthecreator
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ariel.a.mcmahon
Image Credit:
MaddiBlaire (Madison Thomas)
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