Meet Todd A. Jackson | Actor & Video Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Todd A. Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Todd, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over time, my work-life balance has gotten significantly better. It’s honestly always been challenging because as an artist, my hobbies align closely with my career. And because of that, it can be so easy to overwork. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and am so fortunate to have a career I truly adore, but I still get burnt out if I don’t pull myself from my work often. Nowadays, in order to make time for ‘life’, I designate cut-off times during the week (no work-related tasks after 9PM) and make sure to take time for myself over the weekends. I take advantage of a lot of ‘no cell phone” or “no social media” time and do things that stimulate my mind & body — hiking, the beach, meditation, music, long walks, yoga, tea with friends, game nights, etc. — anything that can give me a break from creating. And while I believe it’s an ongoing practice, I think my work-life balance has gotten to a healthy place.

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.
As an actor/artist, I’m most proud of my journey to get to this place in my career. Starting out as a shy introvert who just wanted to take pictures for a living, I would’ve never thought I’d be acting today. And while it was certainly a bumpy road (at times, still is), I’m incredibly grateful for every pothole I hit and detour I took because I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.

I feel the main reason I overcame every challenge was because I had faith that everything was happening for a reason and it would all make sense eventually. From photographer to film student to award-winning screenwriter to award-winning director to YouTube personality to expert video editor — each one of those milestones was meant to get me where I am now. They shaped the person I’ve become. And throughout that journey, perhaps the biggest lesson I learned was that there are no failures. Only opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve.

That said, the one thing I’d want the world to know about my story is I’ve never let the fear of trying something new stop me. And I’d hope that’d inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and do the same.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m definitely someone that likes to keep things simple, so the first stop would be a walk up the boardwalk from Venice Beach up to the Santa Monica pier — can’t go wrong with that. Then I’d have a couple of medium-intensity hikes on deck — one being in Malibu with gorgeous views of the ocean and the other being Kenneth Hahn for gorgeous views of the city. I also have to add in a trip to the Vegan Exchange farmer’s market in NoHo because the food is indescribable. And speaking of farmer’s markets, I’d definitely have to include a visit to The Grove and the Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax High School. While in the area, there’s got to be a trip to LACMA and the La Brea tar pits.

The Vista Hermosa Park is one of my favorite little, hidden gems of DTLA and you can’t go wrong with a trip to Echo Park with a leisurely walk around Silverlake. Finally, let’s not forget about food — Blu Jam for breakfast, Sugar Taco for dinner, and Milk Bar for some gluten-free treats for dessert. There would definitely be a lot of walking during this trip — it’s those small overlooked places I definitely gravitate towards.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The one person I would like to dedicate my shoutout to would be my mother. I’ve been so incredibly lucky to have a parent that’s believed in me even before I believed in myself. Since I was a child, my mom has supported and nurtured my creativity and has never discouraged me from following my passion. In fact, she’s always kept me on track when I’ve felt like deviating, giving up, or ‘finding a real job.’ She’s read my scripts, been to every film screening I’ve had, and watched every film I’ve been in. She’s my number one fan and biggest inspiration.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todd.alexx/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddFoolery