Meet ianna vasale | Actor, Artist & Photographer

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

Hi ianna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
By the time I was 12, I knew I wanted to be an actor. There are so many careers that seem interesting, but one of the most intriguing things about acting is that I can play all kinds of characters, and explore other careers, adventures, and lifestyles that I wouldn’t necessarily experience otherwise. I wish everyone had the privilege and opportunity to pursue exactly what made them happy. When the pandemic happened and I left my restaurant job, I decided to finally take the leap and try to do illustration and portrait photography professionally, too. I hope my passion for acting, photography, and art will bring some beauty into this world and inspire someone else to pursue their dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I have a lot of insecurities and constantly struggle with imposter syndrome, but I’m proud that I’ve continued to stick with acting, and I’m excited for the new steps I’m taking in my photography and art careers.

I’ve been taking headshots for friends for over 10 years, but I always used to think, I’m not good enough, I don’t have the nicest camera, I don’t have a photo studio…but after teaching myself how to use Flash and practicing with friends, I’ve realized I still have a great eye, and more importantly I know how to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. My insecurities have actually helped me relate to the actors who are nervous to get their headshot taken. My self doubts have allowed me to be fully open to critiques and learn from constructive criticism. My friend Annie Hendrix has a song lyric “they say fake it ’til you make it but I fake it ’til I fall apart” and I think that’s so relatable. I’ve never understood why society tells us we need to appear confident at all times. Why do so many people see vulnerability as weakness? What’s with the unnecessary pressure? Nobody knows what they’re doing in this life, and I’m scared as hell – but I’m going to take your photo and we’re going to have a great time doing it, and I know that you’ll come away feeling empowered and beautiful, with a tool that will help you get auditions!

I’ve always loved making art. My mother and brother are amazing artists who’ve inspired me to keep at it over the years. Recently I’ve painted album covers for Nailah Hunters’s “Spells”, Annie Hendrix’s “Folkish”, and Bennyagmusic’s “Awakening.” I also have several children’s books in the works that I’m very excited about. I hope to continue collaborating with other creatives, and to set up a website for my personal work too.

Acting is the career which I feel the most drawn to, that I’ve put the most time, effort, and investment into, yet the one I feel I have the least control over. I’ve learned to ignore the chorus of aggressively condescending industry people who tell us the “right way” to do everything, and I’ve learned to just relax and trust my own judgment as much as possible. I enjoy acting in a constant, gentle way, where I don’t feel compelled to stress about every single opportunity – the projects that are right for me have a way of finding me. When I feel burnt out, I take a break and continue with my day job or other creative projects. Acting is the craft I’m most proud of because it’s the one I have the least natural talent for; I worked for years to understand who I am, step out of my own way, and let that shine through in the characters I bring to life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend were visiting LA and we had a free week with the time and resources to do whatever we wanted, I would want to show them so many things! I’d take them to Illiad bookstore for an afternoon, to an improv show at UCB, and out for salsa dancing or a relaxed speakeasy in Hollywood. I’d take them to my favorite beach in Malibu to sunbathe and check out the tidepools, to my favorite hike in Topanga, and definitely at least 2 nights camping in the Angeles Forest or Joshua Tree!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my wonderful family, for being relentlessly loving and encouraging throughout my entire life. I have been incredibly lucky to have supportive parents who always motivate me to pursue an artistic career, and I’m forever grateful for that privilege.

Website: https://www.iannarosephotography.com/

Instagram: @iannavasale