Today we’d like to introduce you to Harleigh Nelson.
Harleigh, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I fell in love with movies at 16 and I wanted to be an SPFX-MU Artist back then, but there weren’t many avenues for me to try to explore that (or too many opportunities for anyone to create and grow in the film or TV industry in Midland, Tx) I am also a nerd and really just enjoy school. So, after completing my A.A.S. in Administration and Web Design at Midland Community College that May; I transferred to University of North Texas I was able to complete my B.A. in Media Arts in 2020, minoring in Communication & Performance Studies.
I worked full-time in salons (licensed since 2014) and retail stores throughout my undergrad; I am really grateful for my time at UNT and everything I learned at ntTV and KNTU, and so thankful I have the opportunity to work in the industry, professionally. I have such an incredible time every time I am on set, learning something new and practicing my skills. And it’s usually just cool getting to be there.
While at UNT, I took American Sign Language [ASL] and fell in love with the language, and being around Deaf culture is really cool. I’m lucky to have great people in my life. I’m now working towards an A.A.S in Sign Language Interpreting & B.E.I. Certification at Tarrant County College.
Working in the film/tv industry has been a childhood dream come true, and having the privilege of learning ASL and working with the Deaf community has brought so much stability and peace. With my 3 cats, I am just learning to enjoy the moments and have fun.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been so many challenges. Physical and mental health struggles have been a big struggle. Life is life, but I’ve gotten to meet so many incredible people and have a great support system that I wouldn’t be here without. While there have been a couple of random yet severe and life-impacting issues, triggering my OCD and not helping my ADHD, I am trying my best to be as a little healthier than yesterday. Learning the importance of balance and healthy coping skills through therapy and leaning on my support system has been a game changer. Asking for help and choosing to be present is not something to be ashamed of, and it just matters.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am Special Effects Makeup Artist that specializes in Gore & Practical Effects for film/TV. I also help produce different media content by freelancing in media production in DFW. After a stint of being a morning News Producer for a major network in 2021, I am much happier with where my passions are taking me now. I have been very vocal about my desire to work with the Deaf community and create media in sign (ASL) with them. I fell in love with the language after my first class over 6 years ago while attending UNT and was able to maintain my conversational skill after completing the few class UNT offered. Now I am attending TCC and working towards obtaining A.A.S in Sign Language Interpreting along with my state certification in 2024. One of the things I am really looking forward to happening is Thin Line Film & Music Fest at the end of April, a film from a Deaf director is screening followed by a Q&A that I am so grateful to be helping with. I think my passion for stories, people, and a good time is what sets me apart on set and in most life situations.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
All of this has been luck. It’s pretty lucky to be born, honestly (shout out to the maternal mortality rates in Texas). Being born a female in Texas was some type of luck that made me have a grit that I think just compounded and developed into wanting to work in the Film/TV industry. Ultimately meaning I am some type of crazy. So. Luck has had everything to do with my life and business. (Please use my natural southern accent when reading this to yourselves or out loud)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsharleigh.com
- Instagram: @itsharleighyo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleigh-nelson/
Image Credits
Erin Devany
