49. How to Actually Make It as a Multi-Hyphenate Artist (Without Waiting for Permission) with Taylor Meskimen

What happens when you stop waiting for validation and start creating your own opportunities? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Taylor Meskimen—actress, audiobook narrator, musician, and all-around creative powerhouse—to talk about the messy, beautiful reality of being a multi-hyphenate artist.

Taylor opens up about finally booking her first major TV role on 9-1-1 (after YEARS of auditioning), why she almost quit the traditional acting path, and how creating her own work has changed everything. We get real about the scarcity mindset that plagues creative industries, the golden nugget advice she learned from her dad (actor Jim Meskimen) about self-promotion, and why audiobook narration might be the best-kept secret in voice-over.

If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still waiting for someone to give you permission to succeed—this conversation is for you. We're talking about playing to WIN instead of playing not to lose, getting out of your own way, and remembering why you fell in love with your craft in the first place.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] - Intro: Meet Taylor Meskimen, multi-hyphenate artist

[01:00] - Balancing multiple art forms: acting, voice-over, narration, music

[03:00] - How voice-over became Taylor's financial foundation

[06:00] - The curse and blessing of creating your own schedule

[08:00] - Writing her first feature film with best friend Alexandra Du Parc

[11:00] - Why writing made Taylor a better actor

[14:00] - Advice from three generations of artists (including her grandmother from Happy Days!)

[17:00] - The golden nugget: Why self-promotion isn't selfish

[20:00] - Being your own biggest obstacle

[22:00] - Booking 9-1-1

[25:00] - The old DPN days: When auditions were collaborative and in-person

[29:00] - Breaking into audiobooks: Taylor's insider tips

[32:00] - Why the audiobook industry is uniquely welcoming

[34:00] - Combating scarcity mindset in creative careers

[37:00] - How COVID changed the audition landscape

[42:00] - What it felt like filming 9-1-1 and proving herself on a major TV set

[45:00] - Creating momentum through making your own projects

[49:00] - Animation, video games, and different voice-over styles

[51:00] - Making bold choices that stand out

[58:00] - The role of luck (and naiveness) in booking jobs

[1:00:00] - Playing to win vs. playing not to lose (Andre Agassi wisdom)

[1:02:00] - Rapid fire: What's the messiest thing about Taylor?

[1:04:00] - What Taylor's excited about: Music, guitar, and upcoming projects

[1:06:00] - Where to find Taylor and her work

✨Connect with Taylor✨

Email: taylormeskimen@gmail.com (for audiobook tips!)

Instagram: @tmex

Website: taylormeskimen.com

YouTube: Taylor Meskimen

The Role - Short Film

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Explore Maddie’s Website | @maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4