Meet Carly Tatiana Pandža: Writer, Actress, Director, and Producer for TV, Film & Theatre
We had the good fortune of connecting with Carly Tatiana Pandža and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Carly Tatiana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I feel that risks are necessary and foundational for being an artist. That doesn’t make them seem any easier to take though! Risks have played a huge role in my career and my life. My career is part of my life so it’s synonymous. To be an artist is to dream, to play, to go for it and all of those actions require risks. It’s risky to even admit that you have a desire for anything beyond what you currently have because the moment you admit you want something there is a possibility of not getting it. Risk requires vulnerability and putting yourself on the line for something. What if someone doesn’t like what I create? What if someone “rejects” me and tells me no? What if I try and I “fail” to have it happen? All of those things feel risky. But if you really look, it’s not usually “real danger”.
You’re not running for your life. You’re not about to die. It just feels that way sometimes. All of those things can feel scary for any human. But in my opinion, to truly live is to risk. Without risk, life stays the same. Without risk, we stay safe, comfortable but are we really free? Are we really fulfilling our purpose, the fullest potential of ourselves, and what’s possible for us? Risk to me is an adventure and that is so inspiring! So the role risk has played in my life is an essential one. If I’m not risking I’m not expanding. If I’m feeling a little afraid every day for one thing or another I know that I’m growing. I think when I sense that feeling of “Ok, here we go” that I so often get in the pit of my stomach, then I know I’m on that right track. If it’s truly risky and I’m feeling a little afraid then I know it matters and is meaningful to me. My heart might break. I might feel disappointed or dejected or depleted from having risked anything at all.
Yet with each risk, I feel the exhilaration of being alive. It’s all worth it in the end for knowing that for myself I’m truly living no matter the outcome. All of the risks I’ve ever taken have supported my expansion. I feel guided by every risk I’ve taken to what is meant for me next and I don’t regret any of it.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My art and my portfolio of what I’ve done expands over many different mediums. What I’m most proud of is the quality of the work I’ve done. I think what sets me apart from other artists is that I won’t just churn out work for the sake of it or just to make a buck. I don’t have ANY problem with anyone making money from art. I think all artists in the world should be paid well for their gifts.
I believe that in all cultures around the world artists are dismissed, undervalued, and viewed as “extra” or “frivolous” when in my mind it is one of the most essential professions of all. Going back to my point I know a lot of artists that create art in order to get famous or in order to get noticed or in order to make money. They make it for the marketability of it not because their heart and soul and passion WANTS to make it. I think it’s fine if you have an intention behind creating a certain piece but I think a lot of artists out there allow themselves to get mixed up in the strategy of it all and lose sight of why they became an artist in the first place. When that happens work lacks authenticity, originality, and heart. I think that is why there is so much mediocrity out there.
Something like Hamilton comes out and people go NUTS because it’s a beautiful example of an artist creating something that they are SO passionate about and is uniquely, authentically THEM. That’s what audiences are hungry for yet few artists seem to possess the bravery of going beyond the surface level to REALLY reveal something authentically, unique and raw – themselves. Art imitates life and life imitates art. If you aren’t putting yourself out there with each piece you make then what’s the point? I think what sets me apart from the others is I’m selective about the art I create. I strive for a level of excellence in quality and I work every day on myself and my life to make sure that what I’m presenting is authentic. I’m definitely not perfect or an expert but I think creating authentic art that has an impact on the world is part of my brand and vision for the world.
Not just for my body of work but for all artists. How I got to where I am today is through complete trial and error. That’s how I’ve lived my life and how my artistic career has been. I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with removing the word “mistake” from my vocabulary as the only way I’ve learned anything is through trying it, experiencing it, and seeing if it’s right for me or not. I’m a HUGE advocate that there is no “truth”, only YOUR truth. I think it’s easy to get wrapped up in other people telling you what is the right way to be an artist.
But you need to discover what works for you and be brave enough to do that instead of what others may be telling you to do. I think whether it was “easy” or not is all in the perception of it. Did it feel easy? YES and NO, depending on the project and the time of my life. It felt easy when I wasn’t wrapped up in any sort of story that it “should” be another way than the way it was. It definitely FELT easier when I was really trusting myself, listening to my own intuition, and allowing that to guide me. Any challenges I’ve overcome I’ve done so with doing a LOT of inner work. I learned a long time ago that my life is not separate from my art. If I’m blocked in my life, with a certain relationship, limiting belief, etc I will be blocked in my art. I’ve done a lot of self-development, transformational programs, and courses, read a lot of different books, studied various modalities, and experimented with them in my life. I’m an artist of faith and I believe in God and this grand Universe that is the Source and the higher power of all it.
Reflection, introspection, prayer, meditation, and action. I’ve forgiven many and learned to ask for forgiveness myself. I’ve surrounded myself with an intimate supportive community. I’ve let go of relationships that I’ve outgrown and held onto for dear life to those that nurture me and that are truly supportive. That has been the source of me being able to overcome any challenges.
The main lesson I’ve learned along the way is that I am being guided and everything, no matter if it seems negative, is happening for a reason. I truly am being taken care of if I trust enough to surrender to that. As far as what I want the world to know about me, I want them to know that it is never too late to dream and to pursue those dreams. That you really can be an artist one step, one day, one page, one breath at a time. Being an artist isn’t about being the fastest or winning the race but enjoying the process as you create. It’s called “play” for a reason. And I’m here to actually enjoy playing the game.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to Santa Monica and Venice, visit the boardwalks for both. I love the ocean. I was born and raised in San Diego and I’m a water astrological sign. When I’m around water I feel complete. Depending on the friend I would cater the trip to their interests. Some friends are into museums and some are big moviegoers. I love taking people to typical touristy places like Hollywood and stars on the Walk of Fame, maybe going on a celebrity house tour but also going to small dive bars with live music is one of my favorite things.
Love the Echoplex in Echo Park or Oil Can Harry’s which is the only line dancing bar in LA county is SO much fun! Shakespeare in the Park during the summer. I am a thespian and a huge Shakespeare nerd. I’m obsessed with the East Side, probably why I live there. I would take them on beautiful hikes and we’d find local, eclectic businesses to support in Echo Park (Sunset Beer Co or Masa or Sage), Highland Park (Donut Friend and HiHat), and Lincoln Heights (The Heights), coffee shops, eateries, etc. I love DTLA and exploring public transit so we would definitely need to hit up the metro. Cliftons in DTLA is such a cool spot. I love going there to Swing dance. Alamo Drafthouse is down there too which is such a cool unique theatre where you can order craft food and beer if you are going to see a movie in LA.
Griffith Observatory and Hollywood sign is a must and Dodger Stadium to catch a Dodger game depending on the time of year.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I could shout-out to people for days! HAHA! I’ve been influenced by so many amazing people throughout my journey on this earth. Shout-out to my sissykins, Rachel, and my brother-in-law, Justin, they are my commune pod upstairs neighbors and have been so loving to me. My dear friend Jenni who listens to me like I’m the greatest and provides such a safe space to share, create and play! Artist Scorpio incarnation cross twinsie sisters for life! Hosam, my fellow stellar writer bud, Jenni’s phenomenal husband, and my Zoom writing accountabilibuddy. Highschool BFF, brother from another mother, birthdog twinsie Michael, who is forever locked to my heart. Shout-out to my artist friends from Chapman University and beyond that I’ve met along the way through various projects and opportunities. My college sister from another mister and muse Melanie, I adore you, your work ethic and creativity inspires me and I look forward to playing with you until we are old and grey.
My joyful artist friend Renee, I will forever be the byer to your lady. Without a loving artistic community, I could not thrive! All the Goddesses of HER Theatre Company, I’m honored, humbled, and lucky to get the opportunity to play and create with you. I will forever be grateful to Landmark Worldwide for being a source of transformation for myself and my life as I was trained and developed as a leader there for many years. Discovering Human Design and that I am a Projector and uniquely myself has given me a lot of power. “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron is my artist’s bible. I’ve read and done the course probably 10 times and I’m currently doing it again. Julia Cameron is an angel and inspiration and will impact artists for years to come with the legacy from that one book.
It has guided me so many steps along the way. Mr. Thomas Kilroy was my 4th-grade teacher and one of my first and biggest creative champions. I don’t know if I would have ever become a writer without his encouragement. So many of my theatre and film Chapman professors, Michael Nehring, Tamiko Washington, Thomas Bradac, and Jeff McCracken to name a few. They have impacted me more than they will ever realize. I will never forget their words of uplifting inspirational praise and their top-notch training!
My husband, James, he’s my hero, he has always believed in me and I simply could not do what I do without his partnership and support. Thank you to my amazing family, my brother Ante and my wonderful in-laws who are generous, loving, and nurturing! Shout-out to my dad who moved to this country when he was in his 20’s, not speaking a word of English, and helped build a life for us.
I love him beyond words and am forever grateful. My mother, Cindy Pandza, has been an overflowing source of inspiration, guidance, and love my entire life! She is my biggest fan, best friend, and a prolific, talented artist herself that I will forever cherish and aspire to be like.
Website: www.carlypandza.com
Instagram: https://www.
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Facebook: https://www.
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.
Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@
Image Credits
Max Brandin Photography
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
