Never Finding Your Niche May be a Good Thing After All

As an aspiring photographer, videographer and PR practitioner, I constantly get asked about what my niche is. I don’t have one. I’ve never been one to pigeonhole myself in a singular interest or subject. My interests and aspirations change as often the weather does, and though many people will shrug that off as being wishy-washy or indecisive, I argue that it is a good thing to not have a niche. Take actor Chris Pratt for example. Known for his many roles, but most notably as the lovable simpleton Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, Pratt has acted in just about every type of role there is. He is slowly consuming Hollywood and building an empire in his name, and there’s no stopping him.

Pratt entered the Hollywood-o-sphere through television programs including the O.C., Everwood and Parks and Recreation. Within just five years, Pratt has acted in comedies such as The Five-Year Engagement and Delivery Man, to high grossing dramatic films like Money Ball, Zero Dark Thirty, and Her. Pratt was also the lead voice actor in The LEGO Movie, as the uncreative LEGO construction worker, Emmet.

Looking forward, Pratt is the star of the upcoming Marvel space odyssey The Guardians of The Galaxy as Star-Lord, the lead action hero of the series. And, to top it off, he was also cast to star in the highly anticipated 2015 Jurassic Park sequel Jurassic World.

By 2015, Pratt will have successfully starred in comedy, romance, drama, action, animation, and indie film genres, as well as video games. With such a wide range of work, Pratt has established himself as a transformational actor in the fashion of Matthew MCconaughey, Brian Cranston, Christian Bale and dare I say – Gary Oldman.

I firmly believe the strongest work you will accomplish will be something new and out of your comfort zone. Keeping a fresh perspective while being able to grow within whatever it is that you do is invaluable. And as the public relations industry is ever-changing, having mindset about work is key to an agency’s success. So, with that I say dare to branch out, never settle in a niche because it’s the people that surprise you who do the best work.

-- Colin is an intern at Curator who graduated in 2013 from Gonzaga University with a Bachelors in public relations and promotions. When Colin isn’t spending time with Curator he’s tracking the latest film buzz or photographing anything and everything in the Puget Sound area.