Check Out Jason Valenzuela’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Valenzuela.

Hi Jason, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello! My name is Jason Valenzuela. I am an actor, musician, and artist living in Denver, Colorado. Growing up, my father was an exceptional musician and introduced my sister and I to many different kinds of music (Jazz, Doo-Wop, old Country, Salsa, and Reggae to name a few). We were also brought up on a lot of classic movies and TV shows. Some of my favorites included: Three’s Company, Cinderfella, Tarantula!, The Blob, Get Smart, The Twilight Zone, and many many more. Whatever it was that my parents were sharing with us, they did so with an intense love a passion for the craft. I believe this is where my curiosity to explore the arts began. In middle school is where I started acting. Immediately I was hooked. From there on and into high school, I was in every musical and play possible. During that time I also began auditioning for movies, TV shows, and commercials here in Denver and all around the country. In addition, I found my love for producing music during my senior year. Currently, I still act in films and commercials. I also continue making and releasing music under the name “The CoLo Project”. I love what I do, and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being an artist is not for the faint of heart. There are possibly more obstacles/challenges than there are successes. It is a bumpy road full of rejection, self-doubt, and uncertainty. I’ve faced many of these struggles. I’ve been told “no” so many times that I’ve lost track. I’ve been told I’ll never make it. I’ve been criticized for trying new things. I’ve had projects fall flat. And I’ve even been censored. But there have also been a lot of successes. Sure, sometimes you get more no’s than you do yes’s. . .but when you get that yes. . .you know that it was all worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Primarily, I am an actor. As of now, I specialize in more dramatic roles but also love doing improv comedy. However, I love making music just as much. Right now, the duo that I am a part of is based in hip hop, but tries to infuse many different genres to give a unique twist. Honestly, I’m just proud that I’m still here and that I am still creating. This is such a cutthroat industry where you have to build a thick skin in order to survive, but I feel that I am in a good place mentally and can’t wait to see what the future years have in store. I think what sets me apart from others is my absolute obsession to get better at my craft. I create. That is what I do.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Love. I know it sounds cliché, because. . .well. . .it is. But I think that is one of the most important factors. Of course, that has to be matched with drive and dedication. You have to take action because a dream without a plan is just a wish. However, I believe another important quality is self-forgiveness. It’s okay if you can’t find it in yourself to make something today. Or even tomorrow. Don’t judge yourself, but don’t give up.

Contact Info:

• Email: jayvalenzuela899@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason_falconswala/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonandres.valenzuela/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeoForDayz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIVXybYNwfLe5noGmz6-qAQ
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thecoloproject
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5QQN7Et13Ag0C6OdfsqXhO

Image Credits
Ty Smith Averie Hideman Susannah McLeod