Meet Tara Moran | Actor/Model, Musician, Multimedia Artist, Filmmaker

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

Hi Tara, why did you pursue a creative career?
I just didn’t see myself doing anything else! I love the unparalleled thrill of expression you get from art. I love the flexibility and the inclination to create something new. I feel welcome in the industry and I have a voice that I would not have in any other sphere.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a multi-media creative. I am an actor, musician, photographer, filmmaker, and fashion enthusiast.

My experience in these fields undoubtedly influences the others and there is so much overlap between them. I find so many aspects of fashion and studio arts in filmmaking and photography. Performances in music and acting are nearly identical.

I am most proud of my recent film photography/multimedia project, “La Ciudad de Los Angeles”. It’s my love letter to this beautiful city. It is shot on 35mm black and white film and printed on various garments and textiles. I intend to debut in the art world in a juried show in a few months and are looking forward to that!

It took a lot of work to get where I am now. When I first began pursuing the arts as my career I did not receive a lot of support from my family. I was often the sole financer of many of my pursuits but it certainly did not stop me. Being a woman of color in the art scene has also proved to be a challenge. With music in particular, I find I have to work harder than my male counterparts to earn my place. I see this to a lesser extent in filmmaking, but I do think that overall, representation is improving.

I do not let my hardships define me, rather I let them inspire and strengthen me. Trying times provided some of the most key inspirations for my best work. Pursuing a creative career is going to be full with conflict and hardship. I firmly believe that these experiences have prepared me well for the future.

The two most valuable lessons I have learned are the ones I carry around with me. The first, and hardest to accept even now, is that not everything you do is going to please everyone. I have learned that as long as it pleases me and is a true representation of myself, I should be proud. The other lesson I have learned is never be afraid to reach out or say yes, you will always regret what would have happened if you never try. I incorporate this in my day to day life whenever I second guess a project or whether I should participate in a collaboration. Its safe to say I have enjoyed every opportunity it has brought me so far.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my personality and my creative capabilities. Because I come from a diverse area and I am myself diverse, I have always been able to find common ground with people. My intimate knowledge of related arts have made me a useful connection and valuable asset. It makes me happy to connect people and foster more creative growth. I think that I have chosen the best way for me to maintain a diverse and fulfilling career. I want to continue to grow and explore the possibilities in the art world and continue to thrive here in Los Angeles.

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.
We would have quite the time exploring in Los Angeles.

As far as eating goes, we’d spent our mornings at Blu Jam, the Pantry, and Randy’s Donuts. For a midday meal I would hit up Grand Central Market, Maruya in Little Tokyo, Pink’s, Tommy’s, King Taco, and The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice. For dinner, there is no beating Avenue 26 Tacos, Sun Nong Dan, and Perch.

For some drinks, and maybe a night out I would take them to Frogtown Brewery, Arena KTown, Circle Bar in Santa Monica, Scum and Villainy Cantina in Hollywood, and the Baked Potato for some live music.

We would hang out at Vista Hermosa Park, hike Griffith Park, hang in Chinatown, visit Malibu and the Getty Villa, and hit the beach in Venice.

The places I would make sure they visit are. The Broad, LACMA, MOCA/MOCA Geffen, Angel’s Flight Railway, Amoeba Music, Dodger Stadium, the Venice Canals, Olvera Street

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think I owe a big degree of my success to the women in my family. From my great-grandmother through to my mother, I am preceded by a legacy of fantastic women. They inspire me every day to stay true to myself and persevere through any challenges.

Instagram: tockytara

Other: email: tmoranregart@gmail.com

Image Credits
For the photo with the superimposed polaroids, @miapolcyn on instagram. Profile picture @smv.film on instagram