Christian Astorga is a rising media maven who has used his tenacity to launch several entrepreneurial endeavors and collaborations in the entertainment sector. From launching his own radio show with a group of partners to operating as the multimedia department coordinator for the Jabawockeez, I’m proud to be from the same city—Las Vegas—as the inspirational Astorga. Join me for an empowering Q&A on Astorga’s journey, efforts & ethics , personal grayness, and motivation from a rising force in the media world:
Christian, what compelled you to operate in the Entertainment and Media Production industry?
Overall, it was my love and passion for music that compelled me to go into this industry. It’s kind of weird and funny how it all happened, but I fell in love with the Hip-Hop genre of music back [[in] middle school. At the same time I fell in love with multimedia (videography, photography, and graphic design). When I combined those two passions, it was only right to go down the path of the entertainment/media production industry. Creatively, I got to see how much of an influence marketing had on the entertainment industry first-hand.
THE JOURNEY:
What did you start doing to prepare for your current venture(s) in marketing, film, and photo?
I feel that the first step in wanting to do anything is educating yourself in what it is that you want to do. You’re not going to get anywhere expecting that you know everything. There is always room for improvement, and the more you learn, the more you can build. I like to look to see education as a foundation. When I say that, I mean knowledge in general – regardless of where you learned something from. My past is filled with trial and error. I’ve learned so much through simply experiencing the goods AND the bad.
What caused and/or influenced your perseverance towards fulfilling your purpose?
The real cause of my perseverance is the people who believe in me. I’m grateful to have realized my purpose at a young age. I genuinely just want to inspire and change the world through influence. I want to show people that anything is possible, and if that means inspiring even just one person, that means the most to me. My friends and family have really been the source and fuel of my constant persistence towards making that dream come true, and it’s nice to know that they’ve got my back. Alongside that, two friends who unfortunately passed away too soon, Alexandra Grace and Daniel “Papiito” Santos, are constant reminders of why I can’t rest at accomplishing my goals.
What values have you brought with you from your past to empower and sustain your [graytness] now?
I’ve found myself valuing having a good heart and giving your 200% all in whatever it is you do. Whether that may be towards your career, an assignment in class, or a relationship you value; the possibilities are endless. It’s easy to be content when you know that you gave your literal all to something that you believed in. My self-discipline resides in who I do this for (myself, my family, friends, etc.). I want to succeed to inspire – and in this short life that we have, you only get one chance. When my friend Danny passed away, that’s when I really told myself – “I have to make this happen. I have to make this work.”
THE JOURNEY:
[THEJOSHUAGRAY.COM] defines [graytness] as the state of mobilizing confidence to excel beyond “good” and courage to excellently embrace [grayt]—best explained by the actualization of an individual’s potential, purpose, and perseverance to collectively impact their surroundings, with distinction.
What do you identify as your differentiating factor among those in in the Entertainment and Media Production industry?
My belief to give back and share. My passion in this industry is my biggest strength. After working in the industry for so long, to sum things up: The entertainment industry is one of the worst. There are so many snakes in this industry – it’s ridiculous. In a game full of people who just want to use you for what you are, and where the 1% are all higher ups, I’ve often found myself reflecting on how I could change the structural format of how the industry is put together today.
What advice can you give to a young entrepreneur about the art of branding yourself?
The biggest advice I can give a younger entrepreneur about branding themselves is to remain authentic. Find out whatever it is that you believe in, be SURE of it, and hold on to that and never let go. One thing I’ve learned is that above all, is that quality and authenticity are two things that will never go unappreciated no matter how the times change.
What do you do to nurture your differentiating factor [your grayt]?
Simply living life! Taking the time to reflect on past experiences, as well as being able to absorb present experiences has been something I’ve learned to do. “Appreciation.” To remain passionate about what you do, I believe you have to be conscious about the way you live life. If you don’t take the time to absorb the possibilities in this life – then you’re not experiencing it fully! I look at business as only a small portion in what we as human beings truly desire. It’s all about taking a look at what you believe is your purpose.
#GRAYTNESS:
What and/or who do you attribute your [graytness] to?
I’ve had multiple mentors in my life, and when it comes to the entertainment industry specifically, two people come to mind. Kailyn Brown, a really good friend of mine has played a huge role in my life, it’s beautiful to be able to have a peer running right next to me in this marathon towards are goals. Secondly, there is Andreas Hale. Andreas is a very accomplished journalist who continues to inspire me to this day; I’m a sponge when I talk with him because he’s one of the few industry leaders that are willing to share their knowledge about what they’ve been through!
What makes you challenge the status quo?
My constant drive, passion, and love for life has constantly empowered me to want to change the world. I truly believe and have faith in myself – and this is something that nobody can take away from me. I excel beyond good and embrace all of these things because I KNOW I can.
What motivates you to do what you do?
My passion to live life and experience it to it’s fullest is a huge motivation in my life. There isn’t a single negative thought in my head when I’m in the zone. It’s the greatest feeling in the world – to feel inspired.
MOTIVATION:
What are three defining philosophies that you try to live by?
I choose to live life with no regrets, to always follow my heart, and to always stand up for what I believe in.
What was one moment of failure that inspired your current success and/or current perseverance?
The moment of failure in my life is discovering death. The failure on my behalf is not realizing how real Life is; life is truly is delicate, and at the blink of an eye, you can lose someone you care about at any given moment. By simply learning that, it really goes to show how much you appreciate. There should be no reason to complain when you’re alive.
In three (3) ways, how would you want your personal growth and/or professional growth to motivate others?
1. I’d want people to take a look more at the positive things in life. Negativity tends to be focused on more, so learning how to get used to the opposite, especially in todays generation, is a challenge.
2: ANYTHING is possible. Have faith in yourself, and have a little patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
3: No matter how much you grow as an individual, always reflect and appreciate. Be conscious of who you are and who you choose to become.
[GRAYT PEOPLE] Profile Series curates an informational collective of inspirational individuals who have shown what it means to mobilize confidence to challenge [GOOD] and mobilize courage to champion [GRAYT]—highlighting their past, their journey to their [graytness], their efforts and ethics, their motivation, and their aspirations. Share Christian’s profile & inspiration:
