L.Alien Presents: Susan Slater
**Line of work / Job title(s) (paid or unpaid) :
Graphic Designer/Personal Assistant/Nanny/Jane of all trades
**Where are you from and what brought you to L.A.?
I am originally from Florida but I moved here from Austin, TX to pursue a career in dance.
How has being in L.A. changed your life?
Being in LA has changed my life by allowing me to pursue my dreams of being an artist while being supported by like minded people.
What kind of obstacles were you faced with during your move to L.A.?
– leaving friends behind and moving even further away from my family
– getting auditions and breaking into the dance world was harder than I thought it would be
– getting used to driving in such a spread out city with lots of traffic
How has being in L.A. helped you achieve your dreams?
LA has helped me to achieve my dreams by introducing me to artists, dreamers, poets, dancers, designers, musicians and employers and friends who are like family to me. Everyone who has been a part of my life for all these years has helped to give me a sense of purpose to all the projects I have endeavored to do.
What is/are your favorite thing(s) about living in L.A.?
– friends and employers who are like family to me
– the food!
– the art, the museums, the theaters, the libraries, the gardens and architecture of the city
– the weather (obviously)
– how multicultural the city is and how we all function together peacefully
What thing(s) did you do this week to bring you closer to where you want to be?
This week in order to bring me closer to where I want to be, I am working on re-branding myself as a graphic designer as well as updating my website
What is the most significant goal you had before you got here that you’ve achieved?
The most significant goal I’ve achieved has been to dance professionally. I created my own cabaret show that had a successful 6 year run in Hollywood with the help of my friends, I was honored to work with the people I love and admire who are talented beyond measure!
What is the most significant goal you had before you got here that you are still working toward?
The most significant goal I am still working on is to become a successful freelance Graphic Designer.
What do you love that you struggle to find time for?
I struggle to find time to make art as much as I would like to and read all the books I want to read!
What do you do for fun?
For fun I like to go out to eat and drink, I love going to the beach and swim, I love going on long walks and visiting museums and parks
What is something funny/crazy that has happened to you since being in L.A. that you think would only happen in L.A.?
Something fun/crazy is that I have worked as a personal assistant and nannying for a rock star for 8 years and gotten to travel the world with him and his family, that would probably only happen in LA or NYC
How would you describe your style?
My style is feminine, comfortable, bohemian, colorful and versatile. I love prints!
Any words of wisdom for others out there who may be thinking about moving to L.A. to pursue their dreams?
If you have a dream that you think you can achieve by coming to LA, do it! You can be whatever you want here, life is short, follow your dreams and work hard and you can achieve what you set your mind and heart to!
Do you have any projects, shows, performances, or events coming up that we should know about?
I am currently working on bringing together my tribe of sisters to be creative again together. When women decide to get something done, it really does happen!
Website / social media links?
You can check out my design work at: https://susanslater.myportfolio.com/
