Today, The Platinum Mask channel would like to introduce Maiya Michelle for a conversation.
Hey! Please explain to the audience what you’re promoting.
I am a photographer and creative director. I looking to use my art to approach people who are creative themselves, or have a love for art. I want to connect with more creatives in the DFW area and eventually globally. My mission statement for my photography is I give you visuals, you leave inspired I want to continue to promote creativity and going after your dreams.
What separates you from similar artists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
My ambition and willingness to never be complacent is what drives me. I don’t ever want to feel like I know everything about my craft, there’s always more to learn and things to improve on. Once the good is going good you can get comfortable, and I feel like I always strive to do better and also build on my skills. Those are the things that have gotten me this far and I hope I can bring together more people who have a similar mindset as me.
Is there anything you wished you would have known earlier in your journey?
I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself in the beginning. It was so easy for me to feel like I had to be at a certain level to get noticed. I spent a lot of time over analyzing my work and not appreciate it enough. When I realized that none of that matters and it’s most important to go at your own pace and everything will fall into place at the right time. I started to flourish a lot more than I did before.
What was your upbringing like and did you discover your passion early on?
I’ve been a artist for as long as I can remember. I love making things and designing, I always knew I was going to do something creative I just didn’t know exactly what it was going to be. Then I developed this passion for photography and it’s a great way for me to express myself.
Do you have a mentor and can you remember any key advice they have given you?
I don’t have a mentor currently, I do have some advice that I would want to share with you. There’s is never going to be anyone like you so own it. Be exactly who you are and don’t feel like you have to conform to “fit” in because there’s no such thing. People ask all the time what makes you different, when we don’t take the time to just appreciate ourselves as we are instead of just picking out all the good parts that other people like. I don’t know who you are or what you do, I will say this. Continue your journey and do what’s best for you don’t follow a crowd, be yourself and the right people will come along. It’s best to do what makes you happy and not what everyone else wants you to do.
Were your friends and family supportive of your mission?
If it wasn’t for my friends. I don’t know if I would still be doing everything I set out to do. They have been my motivation seeing them achieve their goals and still getting up to do it all again tomorrow. They have listened to all of my struggles throughout my journey so far. And so much more I couldn’t ask for more supportive people in my life and I’m grateful to have them in my corner and not only grow with them but have the guidance as well.
Any links you want to share for the viewers?