Crafting Your Individuality: The Most Important Thing You Can Do as an Actor

When I first started out as an actor, I desperately wanted to be liked. I wanted casting directors and directors to admire my talent. So, I made choices based on what I thought they wanted to see. I shaped my performances around pleasing people—rather than listening to my own instincts.

And yes… I still booked some jobs.

But something interesting started happening. While working on scenes with directors, I noticed a pattern in their feedback:

“Oh, I loved that moment in the scene.”
“That line felt so truthful.”

Over and over, I realized they were pointing out the moments where I had stopped trying to impress them—and simply listened to that quiet, pure voice inside me. My instinct.

The Power of Letting Go of People-Pleasing

Slowly, I began to understand: if I wanted to stand out as an actor, I had to stop performing for approval.

Instead of asking:

“What do they want to see from me?”

I started asking:

“How do I want to play this scene?”

It wasn’t easy. It meant pushing back against years of people-pleasing habits and the fear of being “wrong.” But once I started trusting my instincts, something magical happened—my auditions became bolder, more alive… and I started booking more work.

Collaboration Without Losing Yourself

This doesn’t mean ignoring feedback or refusing to collaborate. I still deeply value the magic that happens on set when everyone contributes their creativity.

But when I’m auditioning—when I have the privilege of making all the decisions about my self-tape choices—I give myself full permission to do whatever I want.

I let Natalia (the artist in me) lead.

And that has been incredibly freeing. It feels like playing as a child again—full of wonder, courage, and imagination. That’s when I feel like a true artist with a vision.

Let Your Inner Voice Shout

So if your inner voice—your instinct—is whispering to you when you act, invite it to shout.

Trust that it’s the very thing that makes you unique.

Because crafting your individuality is not just important…
It’s everything.

Sending you big hugs,

Natalia

If you enjoyed my blog and it resonated with you, I’d be truly grateful if you shared it on your social media so it might support other actors as well. My goal is to create a safe, encouraging space where actors can feel seen and supported.