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.

Cassie Levy

When people hear the term “face painter”, most people have a specific image in their head. We’ve all seen the less than professional face painter at a boardwalk or school event. When I tell people what I do, I often get “That’s cute!” And while it can be… It’s also super cool! Read more>>

Matthew Wright

Authenticity is one of my biggest focal points in my creative career. I want all of the work I create to feel true to me and speak genuinely toward my brand and creative identity. Read more>>

DJ Kimmy K

Being misunderstood as a female DJ in a competitive male-dominated market can be a frustrating and discouraging experience. Many people still hold outdated stereotypes and biases about women in music, assuming that they are less skilled or less serious than their male counterparts. Read more>>

Brett Juliano

As a creative, myself and having been surrounded intentionally by creatives; I’ve seen others be misunderstood and have personally endured the same. As we evolve toward our purpose as creative, I’ve found that it is actually quite easy to be deemed something we are not. Read more>>

Mr.Woodz

Hello Everyone This is Mr.Woodz coming to share some of my story and how have learn to heal and grieve the best way which is the right way. Also share how to create healthy boundaries in unselfish ways to protect your peace and mental health. Read more>>

Ginger Rust

Alright so boom, the year is like 2004 or 2005 and I have a Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Play along Piano Book. Now imagine my stubby little-kid hands on the piano playing “444-33-555-33-444-33-4353435” One of the first songs I ever wrote and remember vividly writing was called “So Confused”. Read more>>

Drew Dawson

This question makes me think about “the trickster” archetype in mythology. The trickster is often misunderstood and reprimanded for being controversial, breaking that status quo or generally being mischievous. However, there is a secret super power hidden in the trickster that is often overlooked – by breaking conventions, the trickster finds something new, and over time the rest of the group learns from this breakthrough. Read more>>

Zion McKnight

Being misunderstood and mischaracterized is something I feel like I’ve experienced throughout my whole life. Growing up black in predominantly white spaces contributed to a lot of complexities in my identity development. Assimilation, internal struggles, fear based conformation.. Read more>>

King Monsieur

The element of surprise has become one of my greatest strengths now. From first impressions people see the hair, make up and nails and begin to assume that when i perform my music for them for the first time they think my performance style won’t be as good or interesting. Read more>>

Frankie Zombie

Being misunderstood will happen everyday if our lives! Read more>>