Conversations with Tristan Pons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tristan Pons.

Tristan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a small village in the south of France. I went to boarding school quite young and became independent very early on. I completed a master’s degree (Bac+6), studied a lot, and tried different office jobs in sales and marketing, which allowed me to support myself, pay for my studies, and keep a roof over my head since I was 17. After finishing my second master’s degree, I realized that I didn’t particularly enjoy what I was doing with my life. I had a small background in modeling in Paris, but nothing serious. So I decided I wanted to become an actor, left everything behind, and moved to Melbourne, Australia. And now, after working on a few photo and film projects (on a modest scale), I think I’ve finally found what I truly love — and how to use my full potential.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like everyone else, I’ve had my ups and downs. For me, it’s been a long journey to figure out what I truly love doing — finding balance amid the uncertainty and vastness of a world where an influencer can find stability while someone with years of study can face instability. It’s quite concerning for our generation. We’re all a bit lost.

When I arrived in Australia, I had to make ends meet, so I started working in construction as a general laborer, living off short-term jobs here and there. My first year wasn’t easy — a lot of doubts, poor financial choices, and tough lessons.

But in the end, it’s really through failure that we learn. So I don’t see it all in a negative light.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For about a year in Australia, I managed to build up my portfolio through several photoshoots and collaborations with major brands. That really helped me grow — in terms of connections, self-confidence, and creative material.

Thanks to all those freelance photoshoots, I landed my first acting job in short dramas. It was a first for me — I had never done any acting before, neither on stage nor in front of a camera. From there, more opportunities came my way, and it turned out to be an incredible experience. Not only did it allow me to make a living, but it also taught and trained me a lot.

I even ended up creating my own short film, as well as two other mini short films. Now, I feel much more comfortable in front of the camera, genuinely happy to explore different roles, and I hope to one day make it to the big screen.

I sometimes struggle with the lack of depth in certain characters within this very vertical industry.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I think what helps me do my best in life is being curious — looking things up whenever I have doubts or don’t know something, listening to and learning from people with experience, and above all, not listening to those who don’t have any. As we say in French, “les conseilleurs ne sont pas les payeurs” — those who give advice aren’t the ones who pay the price.
If I had one piece of advice, it would be: just try. Even if you fail. That’s the whole concept — making mistakes to learn. And daring to try boldly to maximize your chances and, above all, to create opportunities. I see it like planting seeds. Some won’t grow, some will grow a little, and others will grow a lot. The important thing is to take action.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanpons
• Other: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/67600b87000000001801e9a3