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.
Issa Ibrahim
There was a time in my career where I created a body of work consisting of subversive, and at times perverse, depictions of pop cultural icons, most notably Marvel & DC superheroes. This was all before the Disney merger and overexposure. Read More>>
Kierra Sari
Yes, I’ve definitely experienced being misunderstood — especially as a versatile artist. I have many dimensions to me. I’m emotional and reflective, but I’m also polished and intentional. I love vintage elegance, but I create modern R&B. Earlier in my journey, I didn’t always know how to express all those layers without confusing people. Read More>>
Frank Stockton
In art class, “illustration” is usually used as a pejorative term — shorthand for work that’s literal, heavy-handed, commercially-minded. In illustration circles, fine art is often thought of as lazy & unskilled work propped up by flowery language. Both camps tend to define themselves in opposition to a watered-down version of the other. Illustration and contemporary painting have different goals. Read More>>
Vanessa Cuccia
Yes, very much so. My entire life I have had one wish for every candle blown out on my birthday. I have tried desperately to altar my life towards one of creative arts, attending schools for theater and music since a young child. Read More>>
Amanda “The Aunt” Johnson
Yes. Absolutely. For a long time, I was misunderstood but if I’m honest, I played a role in that. As a teenager and even into my 20s, I shrunk myself to fit whatever room I was in. I learned early how to read people, adjust, soften my edges, quiet my opinions, tone down my ambition. Read More>>
Dave Wright
People dont see the work that goes on behind the scenes so alot of people dont realize what it takes to run a record label. Everyone only sees dates for possible shows and then poof the show day is here. Read More>>
TheBabeGabe
I definitely have felt like my work has been misunderstood throughout my career. As a black woman who has a diverse sound and experiments with different genres, I sometimes find it frustrating when I don’t receive the proper credit for my work. For example, I recently made a pop album titled HONEYPOP: Reloaded. Read More>>
Anya Bacon
I feel that this is a very hot topic in society right now, regarding the art of drag in particular. Many folks believe that drag is solely based upon sexual themes, when this simply isn’t true. Being no stranger to the stage, even before I started drag, I view this as a character and a part to play. Read More>>
Westover/Hobbs
When we play live, people are always asking what kind of music is this. We can’t really put our finger on it either because our influences are broad and we’re open to anything, which is why we have a bio such as this. Read More>>
