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.

Cecelia Schaefer

For modeling, I’d say that the biggest misconception is when people assume that models are always confident 100% of the time, or that it must be such an “easy career” because we’ve just “gotten lucky with good genes.” Both of which couldn’t be farther from the truth! Read more>>

Teddy Cooper

I feel misunderstood because of where I’m from, East Cleveland, OH. I choose to counter this energy by traveling. Exploring new places with people who are like minded and into what I’m into. Read more>>

Murisa Harba

One of the major complaints I get from my acting students with regards to the industry is that they are misunderstood by their agents or get pigeon-holed into one type of character. For instance, one of my students, Joanna, came to me with the frustration of only going out for (and regularly booking) Spanglish roles, which were fine for a time, but was really holding her back from the incredible potential she held as an actor. Read more>>

Paul Kolazinski

My push and pull work is a true bridge between painting and sculpture. These two worlds exist for a reason. They conform to people’s natural sensibilities in terms of understanding what the experience is. Paintings is very accessible to most everyone. Sculpture is far less of a common experience for art viewers. Read more>>

Noreen Smith

As a black woman I’ve experienced being mischaracterized as, “Aggressive” for standing unapologetically in my truth. This was despite having calm demeaner, positive intent, and an absolute right to self advocate. When I was aggrieved and obviously offended, I was labeled, “the Angry Black Woman”. Read more>>

Bret Johnson

Being a full time tattoo artist is amazing , but we still have along way to go when it come to exclusivity , stereotypes and being taken seriously as professional artists . Read more>>

Kennedy Wilde

I recently put out my debut album, titled, ‘Narcissist.’ It is a word that has been hurled at me since my early teenage years, at a time when people only meant it to mean “overconfident,” “cocky,” “conceited.” I always hated it, deeply; I have never faked the confidence I have in myself, my work, and my relationships, but the insult never went away. Read more>>