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 an artist. I am an actor. I have done independent films, some commercials, hundreds of live shows and filmed sketches. I was in the Blue Man Group. I’m pictured on the cover of an Iggy Azelea Album. I’ve got an eclectic list of acting work behind me and so much more ahead.
You can check my website for all of my credits and special skills I mean, please, hire me! www.gavinvelez.com

But really what I am is a worker. Acting and performance art are my career but I have always kept jobs to support myself. Since moving to Los Angeles, I have worked the following jobs: Summer arts intern, Barista, Porter, Caterer, Waiter, Substitute Teacher, Photographer for Santa Claus’ workshop, Poolboy, Concierge, Usher, Audio Crew for a wedding band, Website builder, Real Estate Executive Assistant, Content Creator, Video Editor, Lyft Driver, Uber Eats, Production Assistant, Gopher, 2nd 2nd Assistant Director, 2nd Assistant Director, 1st Assistant Director, Covid Compliance Officer, Print Model, Production Coordinator, Director, Skincare Study Recruiter, oh and yes of course Actor.

This exhaustive list speaks for itself. The challenge is making an artistic career work when you have to live and support yourself. This has been very difficult at times. I believe strongly that you should live life with decency, responsibility and respect. This means working hard even at the job that isn’t your end goal. I have made life long friends working miserable shifts carrying rich people’s shopping bags in Glendale. I have met filmmakers at a wedding I worked who later hired me as an actor.

I think I want people to know that I am so grateful. Everyone who I have worked along side in these survival jobs have helped me by picking up a shift, meeting a deadline, or carrying a literal burden that I had to lift. They have helped me live the life that I want to live. I am grateful for the fellow artists who have taken a chance on me and allowed me to do great work that I am proud of… READ THE FULL ARTICLE