Meet Edward Draven: Actor & Artist

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

Hi Edward, how do you think about risk?
Risks are a really big part of any actors career. There are some pretty big risks that I have taken to get where I am today whether it was missing out on a friends birthday to train,saying no to projects that could have jumpstarted my career that made me uncomfortable or even declining agents and managers who didnt have my best interests at heart. As long as you believe in yourself and keep going those risks will pay off

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think my drive and personality is what definitely sets me apart from other actors. I’m always trying to find ways to get better by studying my craft. I love to watch different genres of movies to study and see how I would have said those lines or how i would have move differently. I got where I am today by hard work. I worked my butt off to get where I am and I’m so proud of myself because I know its only the beginning. It was never easy, my senior year I used to go to go to school then drama and theater practice for 3-4 hours and then walk down the street to study with my scene partner for 3 hoyrs and then I went home to try and stay on top of my school work (not to mention still going to acting classes every wednesday). Along the way I have learned that sometimes you might feel like your career isnt moving as fast as you want it to but patience is key. Nobody becomes a star overnight. I want people to look at me and my story and see that a regular black kid is striving and winning in an industry where its for POC to flourish.

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’m not the most adventurous person but I would definitely recommend and escape room and Atlanta Cyclorama at Atlanta History Center.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people that I’m thankful for. My sister Jayla is definitely my biggest supporter. She always motivates me even when I’m not confident in myself. She reminds me that I am talented and I. Was put here for a reason. My grandmother and My parents literally push me to be 10x greater than I am everyday. I would also like to send out a huge shoutout to my acting coaches Dwayne Boyd ,Todd Manaigo and Larry Rhem for consistently guiding me in the right place whether its how to act or professionalism in the industry.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwarddraven/?hl=en

Image Credits
@slingshots.atl