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

Hi Sydney, why did you pursue a creative career?
I never felt that I was thriving in any other industry or pathway but when I got in a booth or picked up a pen, I was at peace. With my music and my scripts, I was able to find me and truly express myself without the laws of society weighing me down.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started writing when I was 11 as an escape from the world. I fell in love with the art of storytelling through mediums such as music and film. I’m most proud that I never gave up even at times when I didn’t love the craft as much anymore. I’ve always made sure to stay true to myself and to let my art speak for me because when I’m gone, my art is what lives on. If it weren’t for my undeniably big mouth, I wouldn’t have made it into the rooms I have been in. I always made it a point to network everywhere I went whether it would be a set I was working background on or even at the church. You never know who you’re talking to. That’s how I learned how important it is to market yourself. I want the world to know that I’m human, I go through heartbreak, grief, the struggle…I go through all of it and sometimes it affects my work but I keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My most favorite spots to check out are for sure either art related or food related. Places like Apache XLR or photo museums are always my first choice for fun. Occasionally I will visit places like skating rinks or bowling alleys, but somehow I always end up shopping or walking around Cumberland.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my team: my closest friends and family. They know who they are! Without their love and support, I would have given up a long time ago. I also want to dedicate this to my mentors Cameron Fuller and Barry Brewer Jr. that allowed me to opportunity to write for them when I had no experience or a credit to my name.

Website: https://linktr.ee/theaisylaarriet

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisylaarriet/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-gates-76b295154

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aisylaarriet/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRKh1RuWvra8meDSzxb0qVA

Image Credits
Cameron Fuller

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.