Featured Artist Conversation with Actress and Author, Danela Butler

Actress and Author, Danela Butler

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Danela is a stage and film actor, author and poet who currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She discovered her love for acting at the age of 5.

“Disney movies are what catapulted my love for acting,” Butler said.

During her teenage years, Danela spent her summers performing in musicals and later appeared in numerous stage productions. The experience helped her gain a deeper understanding of both performance and the business aspects of theater.

“I’ve done multiple stage plays and short films in Seattle,” Butler said. “In 2020, I moved to Atlanta, and since then I’ve been in three films and one stage play.”

Danela does not limit herself to a single creative outlet, instead identifying as a multidisciplinary artist.

“There are times when I am an actress, but I’m also a poet, author, or writer,” she said. “I blend all the things I’m capable of doing together.”

Danela said the roles that resonate with her most are those that reflect real life.

“I like to take on roles that allow people to see themselves in the characters I portray,” Butler said. “I enjoy unlocking people’s minds and imaginations with every role I’m given.”

To watch our full conversation, click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tkQyBIJDSw

“One of the most challenging times I’ve faced as an actor is when the phone isn’t ringing or when I’m not booking auditions,” Butler said. “

What helps me overcome those moments is remembering the quote, ‘Sometimes it takes 10 years to become an overnight sensation.’

“It’s about consistency, being proactive, and reminding yourself how badly you want something,” she said. “If it’s something you’re truly passionate about, you don’t let it stop you. When you have love and fire for it, nothing can stand in your way.”

When there is a dry spell in her acting career, Butler relies on a day job to help pay the bills.

“I don’t necessarily feel like having  a plan B is failure,” she said. “I think it’s being smart. During dry spells, you still have to pay the bills and keep the lights on, which is why I call it a plan B. Doing what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.”

When describing her poetic voice and style, Butler draws from personal experience.

“I love writing based on things I’ve experienced in my life or from observing what goes on in others’ lives,” she said. “I would consider that to be my voice.”

Regarding her poetry, Danela said she is beginning to participate in more live performances.

“I’ve read an excerpt from my book at a poetry slam,” she said. “This year, I’m signing up for more poetry slams to get my work out there and exploring different genres as a new creative direction.”

Danela draws from both personal experience and imagination in her writing.

“Most of what I write is experience-based,” she said. “There are times when something comes to me and I just need to jot it down. I used to carry my journal like it was my Bible, and now I often use my phone to record a line of poetry or write it in my notes so I can return to it later.”

Danela describes herself as an inspired writer rather than a disciplined one.

“A disciplined writer feels more technical,” she said. “I like to think about what Prince said: Make the rules, then break them. Learn to master your craft, and once you’ve mastered it, go free.”

One of the most meaningful aspects of Danela’s work as an author has been reader feedback.

“As artists, we’re often hard on ourselves,” she said. “We critique everything we say and do. When we receive feedback from an outside perspective, it can affirm that we were on the right path. One book I wrote almost didn’t happen because I thought it was too dark. Once I gained confidence, published it, and heard from readers, I realized it was something people needed.” 

Danela offered advice for graduating high school students who are also creative. “Continue to create, be persistent, and if you don’t book a role right away, stay consistent if it’s in you to do so,” she said.

Finally, Danela shared a few G.E.M.S. (Great Educational Moments with Movers and Shakers) with our readers and viewers. “First and foremost, keep God in everything you do,” she said. “Be a student, learn what you love to do and master it. Give yourself a chance to unlock your inner imagination, because what you unlock within yourself gives others permission to unlock what’s inside them.”

To connect with Danela Butler, you can find her on Facebook at Danela Butler, @danela_butlerofficial on Instagram, and on TikTok @danelabutler1