Meet Ari Loeb | Novelist, Cirque du Soleil Acrobat, Photographer

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

Hi Ari, how do you think about risk?
In order to think about risk truthfully, you’ll have to understand first what the word actually means to you. Not all actions have some kind of “risk.” If you have a personal approach to that word – my advice, for example – it will not apply to everything. You can’t write off your fears as “high-risk.” Risk of failure is always worth the risk. Risk of losing something important to you isn’t. Generally, if you want something such as a career opportunity, a life transition, or a date with someone you fancy, the risk is failure.
Take it.
Every time.
Who cares? Your parents? You don’t have to tell them. If you fail at something like this, big or small, you’ll get over it quickly. In fact, you’ll probably be proud of yourself for trying, often times because of the risk. And you’ll end up that much the wiser.
Think of your favorite album. That was a huge risk. Now think about an album you love, but it’s so bootleg and obscure that you’re the only person who’s ever heard it. That’s a failed risk, but it feels so good anyways!
Fear, on the other hand, will sometimes lead you to bad places. If you find yourself risking your whole company, or your family, it might be best to decline. I cannot offer advice on that kind of risk. What I can say is that if you don’t want the thing you’re taking the risk for more than you want the thing you’re risking, then don’t take the risk. If you’re deeply wary about something, it’s probably for good reason, and you should stay away. But if you’re excited and hopeful, go for it!
I believe that positivity comes from enjoying yourself. And sometimes enjoying yourself means being a daredevil and taking risks. You know, live a little. I’m not going to tell you that “the bird who dares to fall is the bird who learns to fly,” because that’s disrespectful to a lot of dead birds, and admittedly that’s like. . . a really high risk.
If your goal is to be the most innovative, the most successful, the Top Gun, then you’ll have to accept continuous risks. All the time. You’ll be flying over a lot of dead birds. But if you want to achieve personal greatness, answer only the calls you really want. Follow your heart.
In my career, risk has played a large part in my success. Every time I’ve walked away from an interview shaking my head, unable to pry my eyes from my shoes and then booked the job, that’s risk.
You’re always getting better.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My debut novel, THUNDER, AZ has received numerous awards, including “Best Contemporary Drama” and various horror awards. The settings and characters therein describe me inadvertently, sometimes in detail, sometimes in cartoonish, sterile absurdity. My newest fine art series, LIOSSO ART shows a more sensual side of me – dark and graceful, heavy and Romanesque.
I stay away from brands. But once you’ve heard my voice, you’ll recognize it anywhere.

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?
Shoutout to my friends and mentors: Sean Greene, Meredith Baylis, Moses Pendleton, Avalon Radys, Stephen King

Website: www.ariloeb.com, www.liossoart.com

Instagram: @ari_loeb

Twitter: @ari_loeb

Other: http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-ari-loeb-ari-loeb-san-fernando-valley/

Image Credits
Jesse Chehak, Becca Briggs, Ari Loeb, Ryan Harrison