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

Hi Devyn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I actually tried not to pursue an artistic career. I was a creative, imaginative child. Family gatherings meant performing plays with my cousins in the living room. I found my love of acting at age 11 and my other interests in the following years. I acted in plays, modeled, and even made movies with friends throughout middle & high school. I could never envision myself doing anything different.

But when it came time to apply to college, I wanted to pick a major that felt “safe” and would lead to a stable career. I tried to convince myself I could be a doctor, a teacher, maybe something in business. However, I knew none of these careers would truly fulfill me and happiness was worth the risk. I double-majored in acting & film/video at Penn State University.

I’m a storyteller at my core and art is a powerful conductor for awareness and change. Relating to even one person and affecting them in a positive way is the goal, for me. The creative world has always been a place where I felt I just “fit”. I feel lucky to have found a career that brings me so much joy.

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 like to say I have a finger in every pie but I always felt pressured to pick just one discipline. Since moving to LA, I realize having multiple disciplines is a superpower. Each area informs the others in invaluable ways and this sets me apart from others in my field. I got my first job in production due to my mixed media background. I recently had the opportunity to cast some actor friends in a TV show I helped to produce. My knowledge of filming locations as an actor helps me when scouting locations for the show I’m producing. Being bold and experimenting with poses in a photoshoot bleeds over into making bold choices in my acting auditions.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your timeline to those of your peers. Balancing my time between all of my career interests often made me worry I wasn’t progressing quickly enough in any one area. That’s a big challenge I’ve had to overcome. I’ve learned there is something to be gained in every job, every audition, every experience. It’s all part of the journey. I embrace every facet of myself and have stopped trying to make myself fit into some imaginary box. I love the work and I love the process. I’m happiest any time I get to be on a set. You’ll never see me without a positive attitude or a smile on my face. I love what I do and that is my definition of success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love giving visitors a comprehensive view of everything LA has to offer! Driving through Malibu Canyon, down the PCH, and spending the day at a Malibu beach is a must — followed by some fresh seafood for dinner. A night out dancing in Hollywood and brunch the next morning. The Grove and The Original Farmer’s Market. A visit to the Getty Villa or the Natural History Museum before a rooftop dinner at Elephante at sunset. Shopping Abbot Kinney and the 3rd Street Promenade. Hiking a trail with great views of the Hollywood sign. A picnic at Barnsdall Art Park. Blue Bottle coffee every morning. Multiple trips to In-N-Out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to say a special thank you to my mom, Julie, whose unwavering support has made living my dreams possible. My dad, Tim, who has always believed in me. My sister, Jenna, my biggest cheerleader. My entire extended family, who support me from 2,000 miles away & are proud of everything I do. My best friend, Izzy, my soul sister. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support. I love you all!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/devyn_arnold

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devyn-arnold

Other: https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/public-profile/a05fc8d0-27a1-11ec-a6ec-47bc6d4f0038

Image Credits
Jac Wong, John Travis

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