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

Hi Art, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I was younger all my energy went into my passion. That being said, being a father of two boys I never let my passion get in the way of my priorities, being a father, having a day job that would provide medical insurance and a consistent cash flow, (Registered Nurse). Once I took care of that aspect I would write in my spare time. I would get up at 4am or start writing after a he family went to bed. Now that I’m older and my sons are over 18 years old I seek mental and physical health and balance above my writing , because without that I would not be in a good headspace to be creative.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an independent filmmaker, writer/director/actor/ producer., more recently, writing my first book. Since I was a kid I wanted to act. To be able to act, study under an acting coach, and learning I was a good writer, is a dream come true for me, even though I haven’t made any money doing it. You can’t put a price tag on the experience gained.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok,, I love taking my friends from out of town all around Southern California. I’m based in Los Angeles and I am a California Native. The first dinner I would take my friends for is Mexican, Don Cucu’s in Downtown Burbank, I always recommend the fajitas. I schedule the week to do LA things, I would take them hiking in Griffith Park or to the LA Zoo. After resting, I would have dinner on PCH, Malibu with a drive home through Topanga Canyon. The next morning, we’d be up early to surf at Bolsa Chica State Beach near tower 17. It’s a great beach to learn how to surf. For lunch, we’d hit Dukes in Huntington Beach. After that , go home have a bbq at my house in Burbank and talk, catch up, talk about our latest projects and passion. I would let my guest decide if they want to go to Santa Barbara or San Diego for a road trip, spending the night. In the coming days I would take them on a ride through Hollywood/ Los Angeles/ Venice Beach showing them the gritty areas as well as the hipster areas. I would take them through East Los Angeles, show them the locations I shot my independent film at, ending with lunch at the World Famous Phillipes in downtown LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many wonderful people who have supported me, from family, other writers, filmmakers, friends. Books!! Rich Roll Podcast Rick Rubin’s wisdom and book. Mel Robbins, my life coach Matthew Toman, my writing mentor Julian Barry, last and not least my 12-step recovery mentor, Randy H.

Instagram: @artzapata1989 @super_heroes_gigante

Facebook: Art Zapata

Image Credits
Amy Texter Self

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