Meet Dominic Barba: Actor & Plus Model

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

Hi Dominic, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risk is necessary to any success in life. To get further ahead you have to go to place in life you have never been. Failure will always be apart of life and is the core learning factor into success. It all starts with taking that risk, When I first moved to LA I had no intention on becoming an actor or work in entertainment in general. I just wanted to make it in this city. I got a cool tech job in Santa Monica where I thankfully got to ride my fat tire beach cruiser to work avoiding that notorious LA commute I always heard about. The office was fun, the people were great, the actual daily job was just ok but it was a chance to be there.

Although I never intended to be an actor that was my secret dream job you grow up thinking you can be but never thought you would actually do. But I was in the city to do it. I woke up one day with the thought why not me, why cant I actually be what i’ve always wanted to do. I had no experience, didn’t know how to get started, but I knew I had to do this. It was a feeling, I never felt so compelled to take a risk. I quit my job, I bought a hybrid so I can uber full time and start taking all the classes I can. I went for it head first. This is my dream and I promised myself once I made that decision to be an actor there was no going back, I’m all in. Three years later I am still working (not as consistent as I want personally,) but I book, I’m working on my craft constantly, I get to audition weekly and I get to live my dream in real life. I am not star (yet) but I am a working actor, giving it my all. I have never been more proud and fulfilled in my life, I took that risk.

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 am a signed Actor and Plus Model. I started from ground zero in both. I started taking classes at the Edgemar Center of the Arts, where I studied audition for camera, improv and scene breakdown. I was taking classes 3 days a week, driving Uber full time to pay my bills and pay for my classes. I tried soaking in as much knowledge from my teachers, classmates and anybody that would give me advice in the business. I booked my first three auditions and knew this was for me, I was addicted.

As a plus model I won a model search contest with The Winston Box. A big and tall clothing subscription box. This relationship changed my life. Will and Amit the owners of Winston Box took a chance on me and gave me a clothing sponsorship. I got free clothes to make online content for them. I had zero experience at modeling at the time and this gave me an opportunity to go into a new industry of male plus modeling and really got my career started. I’m thankful to have been apart of an amazing company that I personally got to see grow from two guys in a warehouse, to being able to see them establish themselves in the big and tall fashion industry, I couldn’t be happier to see two guys be successful and thankful I get to be apart of the journey.

This lifestyle is not easy, its actually the hardest thing I have ever done. I still have a day job, and I’m still not where I want to be in my career but its a climb and I understand that. It takes that one role or job that changes your life. I think being able to believe in that is what keeps the dream alive. I try to wake with the mentality every day with the idea that, this is the day that could be the best day of my life.

I think the biggest lesson I have learned from my journey is that there is no time for fear. Fear is what will never get you to that next level. Some auditions are terrifying, takes a very hard skillset or just flat out embarrassing and even sometimes all three. You can’t have fear, just do it, do your best and be satisfied with your effort. Even if I don’t book a role on an audition I think I crushed or didn’t make it after the second call back I still see the positive in being able to take that repetition and find the success in the work I get to do. When I do book something it makes it so much sweeter, because you have been on the other side and you wouldn’t have even gotten the opportunity if you weren’t afraid to fail.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite Places: Comedy Store, UCB, Golds Venice, Malibu beaches at night or during the day,

Favorite Restaurants and Bars: Crimson LA, Saddle Ranch, Jamesons, Hotel Erwin, Killer Cafe, Roscoes Chicken and Waffels, Mashti Malones, Yuko Kitchen, Rutts Hawaiin BBQ and Non-stop Sushi. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My best friend and someone very close to me Rob Martin. We met as coworkers and after having lunch one day he is the one that inspired me to take my risk and chase my dream because he was thinking about chasing his. He is now Co-Owner of Astoic Management and I get to learn first hand what its like to see your risk turn to success. Thankful for his friendship and mentorship. I swear he believes in me more than I do.

My Family who has always supported me in everything I decided to do in life. Nobody are bigger fans than them. I want to make it not only for me but for them as well. They enjoy every milestone I make and their love and support keep me going.

Last but not least my gym family at Golds Gym Venice. This place is special, one of my main reasons moving to LA. You’re around great people constantly. Whether they are great at their careers, fitness, jobs they all seem to be even better people. The history and energy of this place has can only be felt and not explained. I have countless friends there and thankful I get to train at the best gym in the world with the best people in the world.

Instagram: domcrates

Image Credits
Swet Tailor, Trust Issues, The Winston Box, Jake Graves photography.