Career Roadmap
Stephanie's work combines: Film, Business, and Building Things
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Plano Senior High School
Bachelor's Degree
Music, General
Baylor University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Art Directors:
Bachelor's Degree: Cinematography and Film/Video Production
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Father passing away - had to choose whether or not to continue on in the school play the week before his passing
2.
Desperately wanted to attend NYU for acting, but we couldn't afford it.
3.
Audition for Baylor's theatre school and got in!
4.
Quit theatre after the first semester b/c I thought it wasn't practical and I was scared.
5.
Pursued a degree and a career in Music Business. Realized when I got a second interview for WME in Beverly Hills that I no longer wanted that career.
6.
Moved to Austin to pursue acting - knowing almost no one, started my acting class two day into my residency.
7.
After working at grocery stores and restaurants and bars, I booked a commercial that financially allowed me to quit my job and start working as a PA in the film industry.
8.
Have built a great network here in Austin over the 7 years of living here, made a film that was successful in the festival circuit and have a great job at a growing company!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
That working in the film industry is unstable and I will not be able to provide for myself or establish a long term career
How I responded:
I just followed my passions and my gut. I am an actor and still consider that my primary passion, but I started working behind the camera to make money and it became another passion of mine. And it has provided me with a sustainable career. Sometimes to have to have a side hustle, but it's great when the side-hustle goes hand-in-hand with your main passion and can support it. I've learned so much from working in production and now feel confident to make my own films.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I once had $25 in my bank account. I have had to work on spending wisely and not living beyond my means... and I've had to learn how to hustle. Sometimes that meant two jobs, plus constantly looking for extra gigs.