Meet Adrian De Armas | Actor, Writer, Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrian De Armas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrian, how do you define success?
First and foremost, success is very subjective. You define what success means to you. If you were a part of something fulfilling and it brought some sort of positive impact to you or to others, that in itself is successful. People don’t get to bring that down. I think success stems from yourself, how you feel, and whether or not you’re operating within your purpose. Success is never about materialism or how others perceive you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born in Cuba and came on a boat with my family in 2005. I think my art stems from wanting to give back and contribute to the world cause really I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities I’ve received in my life. A lot of people don’t complete the journey of exiling to another country. That in itself is enough reason for eternal gratitude. I feel as if I share a responsibility for all the fallen soldiers and broken families to represent the people and bring forward a positive message. If I can make somebody smile, or enjoy a moment in time, that’s very fulfilling to me. I’m very passionate about film and communication through art in general. I have a purpose on this platform to have an impact for the greater good, and I’m committed to doing that in a way that’s also fun and enjoyable. There’s enough to suffer about. We can discuss hard topics in different ways and come out of it with a deeper understanding, but also having liked the experience. I think that’s what art is all about. None of it is easy, if it’s worth it. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that we need to propel our message regardless of the challenges presented and if it reaches only 2 or 3 people, it still would’ve served its purpose. It’s about the impact, not the numbers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like being outside. I’m very grateful to have had a childhood in Cuba. We didn’t have too many toys, but we threw many rocks, climbed mango trees, jumped in rivers, played hide and seek in the bushes, and just enjoyed breaking a sweat in the sun. I think a lot of kids nowadays don’t get enough exercise or are just inside the house too much. Consumed by technology. I’m convinced not having access to that at an early age forced me to find other ways to have a good time and it certainly created the foundation of things I like to do in the present moment. Miami doesn’t have mountainous regions but I do like hiking and exploring woodlands, maybe camping, kayaking, jet-skiing, going to the beach, and plenty of outdoor activities. I have a real connection with the water. I feel like the Earth speaks, and being in its presence is a real beauty. I haven’t gone sky-diving or scuba-diving yet but both are 100% things I’m getting certified and into as well. Indoors is cool too though, not too big in the club scene but I enjoy a well-gathered get-together from time to time. I like going to the range too, but as you can assume, I like outdoor ranges more lol.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
You’ll never do this by yourself. It truly takes a village. From the friends that help with projects, to the people that do things without interest fees, or keeping tabs. The real ones know that reciprocating the love you receive only magnifies the blessings. I want to thank my friends and family, and really anybody that’s ever supported anything I’ve done. It really means a lot and it only fuels the fire for what’s to come.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearmasofficial/

Image Credits
2 out of the 8 photographs were shot on film by Amanda Martinez, (@a.b.stills)