We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Lynn Pappalardo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer Lynn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It’s not that I pursued an artistic/creative career, it’s just who I am. Before I seriously became a creative director, filmmaker, and photographer, I was heavily involved in the culinary arts. Throughout high school, I thought I was going to become a chef or baker, creating beautiful eye-catching dishes. I took culinary classes all four years and even went on to do some competitions. But while building what I thought was gonna be my future career, I was playing with cameras, creating a new and different kind of art. Creating silly short films and music videos on the side, then becoming more serious with portraits of my friends and family, I loved seeing their reactions once showing them the photos I just took. I felt a new passion when capturing alluring and natural images of people or the wilderness that I grew up around. People like my grandmother would often tell me that I have “an eye” for it. When holding a camera, I just felt this power or spark in me that I never felt in the kitchen. Then eventually once it was time to go to college, I had to make a choice. Do I abandon what I and everyone around me thought I was going to become, or do I follow my path and learn something new and exciting to me that I want to be recognized and successful in? So I followed my heart, moved to New Jersey, and went to film school.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
How I got to where I am today is honestly a miracle. For a long time, when I first moved away from home, I thought I wasn’t “good” or “unique” enough to call myself an artist. I had to overcome a lot of negative thoughts I had against myself and it took me awhile to finally recognize that this not a competition or race, it is my art. I was creating short films in college about those who felt like they didn’t have a voice, reflecting on how I felt inside. I filmed an interviewed a fellow student at school who was working on becoming an actor but is also deaf. I created a documentary about my brother who is mentally and physically handicapped, interviewing my family members to tell his story because he can’t. One of my narrative films, titled ‘Euthanize’ about a girl who just lost her mom, dealing with her alcoholic dad, and the nation making human euthanization legal, had even been nominated in the Newark International Film Festival. Though I was being recognized for the work I was putting out, inside I wasn’t super happy with what I was creating because of this unrealistic idea I had in my mind that what I put out had to be perfect. If it didn’t fit this image of a high-budget, big cast and crew, Hollywood film, it wasn’t good enough to be shared with others, and that was a completely wrong mindset. You have to be able to grow as an artist and reflect on things you made in the past to work on becoming better in the future. You need to be able to open yourself up to the world and be proud of what you’ve made. Today, I am learning to share pieces of myself with others. I can now look back on the things I’ve created and be proud of what was done and look forward to what I have next to share. I was an art director for a short film called ‘Trouble Connecting’ during the fifth annual Women’s Weekend Film Challenge. I am an assistant art director for a television show now. I have a new amazing short film to be released this year that I co-created with my great friend Jaribel Marmolejos about a historical theatre in Newark, New Jersey. I am trying out new publications, personal interviews, and continuing to push myself outside of my comfort zone, while still working on that self-confidence. Of course, there are still times that I doubt myself, but now I am sure and acknowledge that this is who I am and this is what I am meant to do. I am a storyteller, sharing stories that have an inner light and are worth listening to. I am a creative director building worlds people might only dream of or imagine. I am a photographer that captures beautiful moments people sometimes typically miss. I am an artist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first day would be a personal choice because I’m such a big fan, a stop at The Academy Museum. After spending hours there, grab some food at Sugar Fish, basic but fun to get the chef special! Once food has been devoured, head over to Rose Bowl Flea Market for all the gems and finish out the night grabbing whatever fast food we see on the way home. The next day we’d start our morning with a classic hike at Runyon Canyon, then once all sweat head to the beach! Start at Manhattan beach, enjoy the ocean, then rent a bike and ride down to Tower 12 for some good food! Finish out the night at either The Abbey or Hamburger Mary’s for the best drag shows! The last day would be a relaxing time walking around The Getty, taking pictures by the lamps, and then heading up to Studio City. We’d end the night at the Viper Room dancing, but if it’s not the vibe, back to the gay bars! That would be my ideal tour!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my best friend Renè Bennett, founder, and editor of Let’s Stab Caesar!’ magazine. He has been there by my side since the beginning and has always been my number-one supporter. We grew up in the woods together and we found ourselves in the city together. He always pushes me to be the best I can be and I would not be who I am today without his love and support.

Website: jenniferlynnpappalardo.com

Instagram: @jenniferlynnpappalardo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lynn-pappalardo-304548176/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSkhK2G3mgHz7DzIeMqxLEw

Image Credits
The personal image of me was taken by Brezaja Hutchenson.

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