Emmy nominees Kerry Washington and Don Cheadle on life in Hollywood

No strangers to success, Kerry Washington and Don Cheadle are two of the hottest actors working in Hollywood today. Each plays the lead character in a blazing hot television show, Cheadle takes us to dark, sordid and hilarious places as Marty Kaan on Showtime's House of Lies and Washington plays Olivia Pope, the political fixer/presidential mistress on ABC's Scandal. And for their troubles, they've both received Primetime Emmy nominations this year in a contest that is sure to be closely watched and hotly debated.

They talented pair sat down with Variety editor Jon Weisman for a frank discussion on what it's like to live and work in Hollywood. Here's a brief excerpt from their conversation and I encourage you to watch the video in its entirety. I found it encouraging and enlightening and I hope you will too!

Variety: Looking back on your own careers, what was the ebb and flow like and what was it like trying to get started?

Don: It's so funny: Kerry and I did a movie a long time ago called The United States of Leland, and I was looking at the cast list of that movie. Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Jenna Malone, Kevin Spacey, Chris Klein, Michael Pena...

Kerry: Wow, yeah!

Don: You know, all people that are still working, which is pretty fascinating. But I came out of school -- I graduated in 1986 -- in a time when those great TV shows, LA Law and Hill Street Blues and all the comedies that were on TV, and (for) all of those roles and guest spots you could get as a no-name actor that had no track record, no resume. If you were good, you could get that shot. Those shots are all being filled now with people who have name recognition. And that's tough. People come up to me now and ask me, "What can I do to start?" and I have no idea. When I started acting, I walked into a room with a casting director; I met the producer, the director. Now they go in a room and there's a camera in a corner or they're taping themselves at home (and) emailing them in, and that's just antithetical to the way I -- I don't even know how to start now. I count myself very fortunate. I don't think I'm "there," quote unquote. I always feel like it's a grind.

Kerry: I actually think that attitude is what keeps the actors that are consistently working actors, that's what keeps you in the game. ... If you look at someone like Diahann Carroll, if you ask someone who Diahann Carroll is, it depends on how old they are. People of my generation or younger are like, "Isn't that Whitley's mother from A Different World?" Or people from my mother's generation will give you Julia. In between, there's Agnes of God and Dynasty. ... People like Rita Moreno and Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand keep reinventing themselves. They directed, they produced film and television and theater. We are constantly willing to work in all different mediums because you just want to work ... it's about continuing to grow as an artist and as a craftsperson.

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To read more of the transcript visit Variety.com and don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Greenlight Guru: Storyteller Dawn J. Fraser of Barbershop Stories

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Greenlight Guru is an interview series that highlights artists across disciplines who have created projects and businesses around their art. This month I welcome humorist, writer and storyteller Dawn J. Fraser of Barbershop Stories!

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"Instead of thinking of your project as 'ready, aim, fire' 

think of it as 'ready, fire, aim!'" ~ Dawn J. Fraser

GY: What is your current passion project and how did it come about?

DJF: I have two passion projects, one which is more “fun” and one which is more “business”, but both support my interest in building a platform as a writer and performer. The first is Barbershop Stories, a storytelling show that I host and produce that features poets, musicians and performers sharing true tales in New York City salons. Then I chop off their hair!

My second project is a series of speeches, workshops and educational programs. My academic background is in public policy and leadership, and as a storytelling instructor, I started seeing the ways in which a well told story could be inspiring and engaging. I’ve since made it my goal to not only entertain when I speak, but to also leave audiences with practical life skills and a memorable message.

What was your reason for starting Barbershop Stories and your speaking series?

I was at a storytelling show one night, and after the show I met a professor in the audience. He mentioned that he taught a communications course at a business school, and how he wished that he could show his class how to apply some of the techniques of storytelling to his group of rigid, unengaged presenters. I told him I would develop a workshop for his class, free of charge, in exchange for them video taping the event. 

I put together a workshop that got students working on their feet. The professor was so pleased that he agreed to bring me back for another session and to find some funds so I could get paid. I went back a few months later, did a great job with the workshop, and that led to two more booked workshops. That's when I really started to take notice that there could be a way to use my expertise as a performer and a storyteller to make some side money or possibly even a career.

What has been the best thing about your experience?

It may sound crazy, but I love the unexpected twists, turns and lessons that come when bringing a creative idea to life. Although I started Barbershop Stories as a fun way to showcase some of the city's best performers, it allowed me to explore a creative skill where I didn’t have as much experience: as an MC and host. I’ve since grown to love the art of hosting and might even look into ways to promote myself in this way after I’ve successfully completed my current passion projects. For storytelling and speaking, the best part has been realizing that I can do something that I love and truly make a living!

25 Tips to Juice Your Creativity & Catapult Your Career

Let's be honest, building a successful career is a lot of work and building a crave-worthy creative career is really tough. Sometimes you get overwhelmed or feel downright uninspired. But don't be discouraged! I've composed a list of twenty-five tips you can use to get your creativity flowing and keep you on the crave-worthy career path. Go ahead, soak 'em up and share them with your fellow creatives!

1. Get clarity on your career goals. Write a mission statement that excites you.
2. Stick a post-it with your artistic and career goals on your mirror or computer. Glance at it daily.
3. Keep your enthusiasm for your work by reminding yourself each day why you love what you do.
4. Be accountable. Find a buddy and meet weekly via phone, Skype or in person.
5. Expand your network. Success is not created in a vacuum.
6. Strengthen your network. Stay in touch and share resources/news with new contacts. Don’t just collect business cards.
7. Give yourself credit. Pursuing your dreams is amazing!
8. Take a look at your daily activities. Are they helping or hindering you?
9. Avoid autopilot. Be aware of each decision you make and why.
10. Success comes in many forms. Decide what success means for you and avoid comparing yourself to others.
11. Use the barter system but make sure the trade is equitable.