Things I wish I’d known when I first got to L.A.; I’ve been asked by a few different people, so I thought I’d blog about it.

I should start by saying that I have a high level of passion and drive for acting. When I was younger,  my mother always use to say whenever I set my mind on something, nothing else seemed to matter – I got consumed almost. Tunnel Vision I believe she called it. But, I later found out that this “Type-A” personality trait would help me with my pursuit in achieving my dreams. I say this to point out that if you don’t have the drive or the passion to really…and I mean really be an actor and all that comes along with it – DO SOMETHING ELSE! Save yourself the money that you’ll spend in therapy and the rejection and heartache. Cool?

The first thing I did when I got out here was get my financial situation in order. I had saved up a few thousand dollars to live just so that I wouldn’t have to jump straight into a side job. I soon found out that a few thousand was nothing in this city. My first bit of advice, if you are not among the fortunate who can afford not to have to get a side gig — get yourself a good flexible “side job.” You’re going to hate it and at times you’re going to even resent it…and why wouldn’t you? It’s not what you came out here to do! It’s not what you spent 4 years in University perfecting your craft to do – and yet you really do need to do it. The trick is to make sure they’re flexible and will allow you to leave for auditions, bookings and/or extended bookings.

Now, that you’ve found the job and you’re setting yourself up for life in LA – the fun can begin.

Classes. Get yourself into a GREAT class. Everyone and their mom (no, seriously, I’ve taken classes with famous actors’ moms) is teaching a class out here on Acting. And they all say they will make you the best! Well, that’s not the case. Do your homework and get into a good class. I spent the beginning years of my career in LA in a great acting class. Or, so I thought it was great coming out of college. This person had been in a commercial and that person had read for a small part on Y&R. But, after being there for 2 years, I realized over half the class did not have agents, they did not have headshots, and they were mostly complaining about being out here in LA – WHAT!!!???

Second piece of advice, find a studio (class) where the people are working, the drive and passion are high and where the people are supportive. (but a little competition never hurt nobody either!) Remember Bill Cosby said it best: The proof is in the pudding. The 2nd studio I went to and spent three years at was like being in an actors boot-camp. But, the majority of people were working. People were auditioning, constantly. The majority of actors had agents or managers and the vibe was different. The conversations had changed…and I had to up my game. 1 month after being there I got a good manager. 2 months I had a good agent. 9 months after working there I booked my first network TV gig. I really and truly believe what this specific teacher taught should be taught in ALL university’s. It was like a LIGHT BULB came on. I feel THAT strongly about her first two classes.

Here’s how I’ll end this part: if you want to get better at your tennis game, you’re not going to play with someone who’s worse than you. No, you’re going to want to play with the best. Don’t be afraid to be the worst in class. You can only go up! And it feels good to rise.

Headshots. You need to get them done. They are your calling card to the biz. Everyone will tell you this, but it’s true. It’s what the agents, managers, casting directors, etc are all going to see first. You want them to be damn good. My advice is to get them done for a reasonable price. Do your homework. Know what kind of shots you want. Commercial/Theatrical. What colors you look good in and what you absolutely do not. Look for a photographer that you vibe with. Not one that just wants to shoot you for the money. Really think about your shots and what they could be used to cast you in. For example, do you want to do drama (CSI or Grey’s Anatomy) or do you want to do sitcom (How I Met…/Two & A Half…). You don’t have to give up complete control in these sessions, but you don’t want to try to take them over either. If you’ve chosen correctly, your photographer will know what they’re doing. Most shoot with digital now and can give you an idea what the shots are looking like as you go.

I’ve never bought into the $1000 headshot folks. I’m sure they are amazing and I’m sure their services come with a fluffer or something that’s going to make you look amazing! But, really? $1000 when you’re first starting off. Not this guy. No way, No how. Chances are if you don’t have an agent or manager at this point (and you might not, if you are just getting out here) you are going to have to re-shoot your headshots anyway. Take the proofs to class with you. Ask the other peeps (classmates) and the teacher if they’re willing to take a look at them. This way you will have another opinion outside of your own and your moms who thinks every picture of you looks great!

Now, this is a three part blog so please check back for the next two parts. I will touch a little bit on the big push for an agent and/or a manager, getting into SAG, networking, casting director workshops, finding your support system and more. Essentially, you’re going to need to build a TEAM of people to make this all work out here.

Thanks for reading.

As always, I’m on facebook and you can follow me on twitter (@dajuanjohnson). I’d love to hear from you.