Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Vaughn.
Hi Adam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated with cinema, having watched many classic films at a much younger age than most. I fell in love with the monster movies immediately: King Kong, Godzilla, Jaws, Alien, etc. They all gripped me and drew me in. Needless to say, I was also a superhero boy (Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, etc.)!
When I was in 4th grade, my elementary school was putting on a production of The Wizard of Oz, which happened to be my mother’s favorite movie. She encouraged me to audition, just as something fun to do. Not only was I cast as the Wizard for the show, but I found that I had a natural talent for memorizing lines and being on stage. I would go on to do theater from elementary school through my senior year of college. I’ve also done summer theater, acting workshops, and, within the last few years, a slew of screen acting gigs.
Naturally, with a love for films and acting, I graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in Film, and a minor in Theater. I’ve regretted it ever since! Hahaha
But in all seriousness, like most artists straight out of the gate, it was rough. I went back to serving tables numerous times, had a bunch of starter jobs that fell flat, and even worked at Amazon for a while to pay the bills. The last full time job I had was Court Reporting, far from chasing my dreams but enough to pay the bills, and it led me into the industry of Legal Videography.
Today, I am a freelance Videographer, Photographer, and Actor, juggling photo/video work while auditioning for various acting roles. Through networking, keeping connections in the industry, and continuously pursuing my craft, I am proud to be a freelancer, and hope to keep it a full-time career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. For one thing, the arts is super competitive, and certain areas of the country/world are super saturated with people wanting to do the same thing as me for a living. Baltimore is certainly one of those competitive areas, a “wild west” for artists (as a film friend once said).
On top of trying to get full-time work in my field, freelancing, and figuring out ways to survive financially, I also dealt with some depression and anxiety after college (through college too…), and that eventually cost me a relationship of 4 years. Mental health, heartbreak, and being broke are a nasty combination. Through determination, faith, and reminding myself I am not alone in this world, I’ve been able to press through it and work on myself as a man and as an artist.
One thing that has helped tremendously is, during COVID, I took up boxing. Not only did this help me get into pretty good physical shape, but it has been super healthy for my mind and soul.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
This is a fun question!
Depending on the person, some know me as a phenomenal actor, others know me as a photographer, others a Film Director. It just depends on what I was doing when that person met me.
I like to be known as an actor, but after school I left acting alone for a few years. It’s something I’m trying to build back up. There’s some decent work out there for photographers and videographers, so I can more realistically see myself building on that front while I make a splash in the acting industry.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When you first start out, do it all! Paid or unpaid internships, networking, etc. Immerse yourself in the craft and don’t stop.
Obviously it’ll take time…….. be patient! You may need a “whatever” job at first, and that’s okay. Stay hungry, learn as much as you can about your craft in your spare time, and meet as many artists as you can. Find groups related to your industry, and not only will you make new friends, but professional connections that will be useful at the most random times!
And don’t give up! I’ve seen so many artists throw in the towel and settle for a 9-5 job. I get it, it’s *hard* to be an artist. However, a huge chunk of artists who don’t make it in this industry don’t lose because they weren’t talented enough, they lose because they gave up. Keep going, and tell the world how bad you want it!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
First starting out, do it all! Paid, unpaid, internship, networking event. Immerse yourself in the craft and don’t stop.
Obviously it’ll take time…….. be patient! you may need a “whatever” job at first, that’s okay. Stay hungry, learn as much as you can about your craft in your spare time, and meet as many artists as you can. Find groups related to your industry, and not only will you make new friends, but professional connections that will be useful at the most random times!
And don’t give up! I’ve seen so many artists turn in the towel and settle fora 9-5 job. And I get it, it’s *hard* to be an artist. But a huge chunk of the artists who don’t make it in this industry don’t lose because they weren’t talented enough, they lost because they gave up first. Keep going and tell the world how bad you want it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://avaughn2495.wixsite.com/adamvaughnfilms
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaughnvisuals24/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.vaughn.13936
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-vaughn-filmmaker
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vaughnvisualsadamvaughn2316
- Other: https://kavyar.com/adam-vaughn
