Meet Ryan James | Actor & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, what do you attribute your success to?
I feel that the most important factor behind my success has been my resilience. Life has thrown a lot of things my way that would make a person want to give up but I always kept my eyes on the prize. I’ve been telling my friends and family since I was a little boy that I was going to be an Actor on TV and anytime I start to doubt myself or get discouraged, that younger voice of mine whispers in my ear to “Keep Going”. In this type of business, you have to have the faith that regardless of how long it takes, that your time is coming because its very easy to want to quit. You get told “No’ very often but it only takes 1 “Yes” to change everything.

Another very important factor is when I learned to stop comparing myself to others. Everyone’s journey and road to success is different but its important to remember that its only one YOU and that is what makes you unique and special.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Some of the lessons I’ve learned while pursing my career in acting is

1- Knowing your ” Character Type” It’s very important to have a clear sense of who you are when you walk into a room and what that means in terms of the roles you can audition for. This can sometimes require you to ask complete strangers to tell you who they see when they first see you. Your headshots need to reflect that character type as well. This helps you get an idea of what casting directors see you as when they are casting projects.
2- Never stop training. Rather that be classes, auditions, reading books or studying videos of the greats, its important to work at the craft every day.
3- Not to take “No’s” personal. In this business, its easy to feel like you aren’t a good actor when you don’t book a project but I had to learn that wasn’t the case. In most cases, Casting directors know what they are looking for and often-times if you aren’t that person, they will remember you for future roles. Go in prepared , Kill the audition, Make the best impression you can and leave it there. You will drive yourself crazy worrying about why you didn’t book it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I reside in Atlanta, GA so its really hard to narrow down places to eat and drink because the ATL is known for so many Restaurants/Lounges/Clubs. If you’re vegan, Slutty Vegan has some of the best meatless burgers I’ve ever had. If you’re into seafood, Pappadeaux is a personal favorite of mine. In general, its a must that you get some good lemon pepper wings while in the city for sure because those are a staple of Atlanta. As far as attractions, The aquarium, Coke museum, Stone Mountain, Ponce City Market and the rooftop bars. There are endless things to do in the A!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give my MOM so much credit for ALWAYS supporting my dreams, My mom was a professional educator for 30+ years and I also have aunts and cousins who also work in education as well. Coming from a family of educators, the easy route career wise would have been pursuing a career in education but I knew that wasn’t my passion. I expressed that to my mom at an early age and she always pushed for me to go after what I was passionate about because she believed I would make it without a doubt. Having her support meant the world to me and I know she is the reason I have never given up. My mom passed away in 2013 but I know she is still rooting for me in Heaven. Continuing to make her proud is what keeps me going and I dedicate all my wins to her.

Instagram: @Ryan.James

Facebook: Ryan James

Other: IMDB https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm4764001/?ref_=m_recent_view

Image Credits
@ShotsByNik – IG @Alice.Shoots – IG @PBD – IG