Everybody has different attitudes, energies, ways of doing things, and paths to success.

All of these things certainly factor into how you navigate your career, and how you reach your goals. There are 5 common types of actors we see quite often. This is NOT to put you in a box – we just come across similar energies, and started to put the pieces together. Do you find yourself fitting into one (or several) of these types? Which do you identify with most? You may also have friends who fit into some of these categories… but at the end of the day, everybody has a different story, and there is no ONE right way to be a successful working actor. Embrace diversity, embrace the daily grind. It’s healthy! Check out our observations and let us know if you can relate!

THE PATIENT OPTIMIST
Constantly learning, growing, and honing your craft, you are the actor who is on a steady path to success. Your fierce ambition is wonderfully matched with your unwavering patience, and you’re a strong believer that good things come to those who work hard and stay focused. You celebrate the triumphs of your fellow actor friends without a tinge of animosity – you just KNOW your time will come, and you’re happy to keep working every day towards your goals.

ADVANTAGES: You’re in it for the long haul. No matter what happens, you stick around. That’s more than a lot of folks out here can say.

SETBACKS: Sometimes your laid back disposition can be your downfall. If you wait and maintain your tunnel vision for too long, you may miss out on fantastic opportunities and chances to move forward in your career.

JUST REMEMBER: Patience is fantastic and absolutely necessary for this business – but don’t forget to network and create your own opportunities! Sometimes waiting for your time to shine isn’t the fastest or best track to growth and success.

THE PASSIONATE VISIONARY
Ever heard of good vibes? Yeah. You’re the master of them. You’ve made it your mission to do what you love, and yes, you LOVE what you do. This includes all the hard parts and rough patches – you take it all in stride and you exude gratitude and passion. You’re a strong believer in the power of envisioning your future, and your sense of purpose is what drives you. As long as you stay positive and happy, you’re on the right path and you take everything as a blessing to your career. You pour all of your energy into your career, and you see all of this as an investment in your future.

ADVANTAGES: No matter what, you’re in a good place, because you simply love what you do. You’re probably the last one to get frustrated by the nature of this business. You get it, you embrace it, you don’t let it get to you too much.

SETBACKS: Though you rely on your own sense of purpose and ‘fate’ to pave the way for you, sometimes you may get too comfortable in that mindset and forget to put that passion to proactive use.

JUST REMEMBER: Step outside your comfort zone and do something that scares you! Don’t be afraid to take some risks.

THE LUCKY CHARMER
Luck and/or a strong connection played a hand in your success, but you didn’t get to where you are by luck alone. Somehow, yes, the planets aligned in your favor, but some of you still work extremely hard for what you have and always remain grateful. You’re a strong believer in your own talent and charm. A smile and a good reel can get you just about anywhere, and you’re happy to ride the wave while it’s rolling along.

ADVANTAGES: Things may come a little easier to you than they do for others. This makes for a less stressful career and for more instant-gratification. The whole journey for you is rewarding. Pretty damn sweet, if you ask us.

SETBACKS: You may be the target for some resentment from your peers. While others may have to sometimes work “harder” or longer for their goals, they happen a little easier for you, and that can be a source of jealousy for some folks. You also may get a little comfortable and forget to pay your dues, putting in the extra work to create opportunities for yourself. Whether or not people take you as seriously as others – you sort of DO have to work a little harder. Just in different ways.

JUST REMEMBER: Gratitude is everything. As long as you lift up others when you can and work hard at what you do, you’re in a fantastic place. Maybe take an improv or writing class! The sky’s the limit.

THE LADDER CLIMBER
In the wise words of Drake: “Started from the bottom, now we’re here.” You’ve worked (or ARE working) your way up from the bottom, and you don’t mind the climb. You’re persistent, resilient, and you know how to roll with the punches. Maybe it all started with an improv class, or college theatre. Maybe you’re brand spankin’ new to LA and you’re still figuring out what it is you want to focus on. Are you a drama actor? A comedy kid? A character actor? The possibilities are endless, and you’ve got plenty of time to figure that out.

ADVANTAGES: You may be the hardest worker everyone knows, which earns you a lot of respect and brownie points. Everyone knows how rough it is to start from the very bottom of the totem pole (no training, no experience, new to the industry, new to LA, perceived as ‘green’ by all), and if/when you persevere, you’re the diamond in the rough everyone wants a piece of. Everyone loves a success story. You’re living proof that hard work pays off! And your career will be all the more rewarding because of it.

SETBACKS: It will undoubtedly take you a little longer to get to where you need/want to be. You may be frustrated more often, but this is nothing to fret about. It’s all part of the gig. You’re more resilient than most, so you can handle anything.

JUST REMEMBER: Sometimes the circumstances might get you down – but stay focused and keep your head up. The right things happen at the right time, and success occurs when opportunity meets preparation. With all your hard work, years of experience, and long hours of workshopping your craft, there is NO DOUBT you’ll be ready! Keep networking. Keep broadening your horizons. We’ve got nothing but time.

THE INDUSTRIOUS JESTER
You’ve got street smarts and astounding charisma, and it takes you places. Your lightheartedness is attractive and it seems to help you get your foot in the door. You may start (or have started) off doing stand-up at various comedy clubs around the city, or maybe you’re a notorious player in your local improv troupe. You’re a strong believer in networking, and every single person you meet is not only a friend, but an opportunity to collaborate, move up, and build a stronger support system. You’re the life of the party and sometimes people will wonder “How is (s)he not famous already?”… but you’re well aware that this takes time and hard work. You’re hilarious and your personality is magnetic, but you’re also not afraid to get your hands dirty.

ADVANTAGES: Your magnetic personality makes you attractive to just about everyone. All eyes on you, kid. You’re likely to be the puppy who little kids notice first at the pet store. By ‘kids’ we mean agents and casting directors, and by ‘pet store’ we mean the recruitment field.

SETBACKS: Constant improv and stand-up comedy can be exhausting. If that’s not your gig, you definitely know that your high-energy personality can get bored easily if left stagnant for too long. You crave change, diversity, and new opportunities – and when there’s a lull, you’re the first to feel it.

JUST REMEMBER: If you get bored or if you feel antsy because your career is losing a bit of momentum, CREATE your own opportunities. Step out and collaborate with other artists. It’ll be energizing for you, and you may gain something valuable from cultivating those creative relationships. Remember that you need a support system to thrive out here! Build it!