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.

Jade Jewel

Absolutely. Both I and my work have been misunderstood and mischaracterized. Let’s start with me first. It’s no secret that people judge you at first glance. When I’m out and about with a full face of makeup on, my long curly hair styled how I want, long nails, an outfit I spent time assembling, accessories, and big shield sunglasses. People look at me and think she’s extra, she’s shallow, she’s insecure, etc. Read more>>

Brea Fournier

I’ve never been a stranger to the feeling of being misunderstood, or as I like to call it “swimming upstream.” Maybe it’s because I’m an Aquarius or maybe it’s because we all hold our own personal values, but authenticity has always been imperative to not only my art, but the way I live my life. Growing up in a small and conservative town in Idaho, I was frequently bullied for my music and for showing up to school in bizarre outfits––tutus over jeans, pop-art leggings, frilly dresses, etc. Read more>>

Javier Rhoden

Misunderstandings came from not being supported in the way that was needed yet still pioneering for what I believed in. Read more>>

 Emily Deahl

I think for the most part, people don’t see past the surface level view of my projects into the deeper meaning of whatever story I’m telling. So I am judged on whatever opinion they choose to make in the first 3 seconds of viewing or listening. I would imagine this is true for every artist these days. However, I believe grabbing someone’s attention is half the battle. The ones who stick around were supposed to hear the message and it was never intended for those who don’t. Read more>>

Syndy Noisette

Being a fashion designer I learned that many times people want to put you in a category, a genre , a specific style . They forget that fashion designers are artists expressing themselves through their creations. We don’t all like to be put in a box , sometimes Im inspired to create something urban, other times simple, sexy and/or avant-garde . It all depends on my mood , the vibe, and what inspires me during my process. Read more>>

Amy & Sarah Baumgardner & Simone

When talking about heavy topics like mental illness, death, and tragedy, we tend to use humor in all varieties. We use both light and dark humor throughout our episodes and in interactions during our events. The levity is important because the weight of reality can be overwhelming and the laughter helps us to breathe and heal. Read more>>