Often, those who tread off the beaten path are misunderstood or mischaracterized and so we asked folks from the community to reflect and tell us about the times they’ve been misunderstood or mischaracterized.

Wells Mason

This is a great question! Yes, my work is regularly misunderstood and mischaracterized. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think people like to put creatives in a neat little folder. You’re a painter? You go here. You’re a writer? You go here. You’re a musician? In this folder. You’re supposed to go in a folder and stay there. Read more>>

Joannie Wu

Due to stigmas attached to pole dancing, my business partner and I have frequently experienced prejudice and have not been taken seriously by others for our business. We have recently experienced this by potential landlords, and real estate representatives as we are trying to expand our business into a significantly larger space to meet student demand. Read more>>

Rayanna Perry

I have actually been asked by other creatives, “can you do real art?”. As if digital art is not real because I’m not using a paintbrush or pen. It was disheartening at first. I thought, if they don’t get it, then a non-creative really won’t get it. But I have learned that is not true. Art, like many things, is subjective. People don’t have to understand it to love it. All that really matters is that I love doing it and if it makes just one other person happy then that’s the cherry on top. Read more>>

Ashley Cassens

The biggest misconception about being an artist is that I’m “flighty” or “disorganized”. In order to excel in my field I have to be hyper focused and disciplined. Also, have you seen my calendar?! I have a timer for everything – answering e-mails, painting sessions, teaching, lunch even! When I’m doing custom work for a client they will often say “Oh, you seem like you have it together” as if it’s surprising. In order to thrive as a small business I diversify: I teach art, Read more>>