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.

Sherri Amoure

As a creative, the average person misunderstands me on a daily. Many people seem to have this common misconception in thinking that creating art is merely self-indulgent. For this fact, the work that it takes to attain success as a creative is often devalued being as though the average person with this frame of thinking is unable to see what we do as a “real job.” The only way that the average person is able to credit the work of a creative as a “real job” is when they are able to see tangible evidence of success (ie. materialistic items – money, cars, houses, etc.). With that being said, the creative who is working towards achieving the success that would allow them to be able to make a comfortable living off their art giving them the ability to attain those assets, is very often mischaracterized as “lazy.” A couple of the gaslighting statements I’ve personally received on a daily are, ” You just don’t want to work” and “You don’t want out of your financial hardships if you are unwilling to work a ‘real job.’” Read more>>

Vanessa Perea

It’s an ongoing battle in society to be put in a box. We are constantly trying to label each other, assigning aesthetics to people and not allowing them to explore all areas of expression. I find myself expressing so many different parts of my personality and sometimes I second guess who I really am. In order to be one thing you have to stick to it, dedicate yourself to a specific ‘look’. Often times in the acting industry this is helpful, to be typecast and help you find work. But we attach ourselves to our identity far too often. I try my best to explore all parts of myself, and leave the attachment at the door. It’s a problem that may never be fixed, but if we’re aware of it, life can be much more rewarding. Read more>>

Nick Robinson

In the mystical world of witchcraft and spirituality, there is often judement or mischaractarization passed by those unwilling to ask questions or learn. People are influenced easily by the media and it’s important to do the work and chat with people or research the things you may not know about, in order to have a more well rounded world view. When we are misunderstood, it is often due to willful ignorance, complacency, and comfortability. It can be uncomfortable to challenge certain beliefs at times, but it can truly open up many new perspectives and opportunities to have really cool experiences with people you may not have met otherwise! Read more>>

Juvenile Characteristics

As a band, we titled our first album after an actual place where our guitar player lived, Bluegrass Road. The song tells a story from his past. Because we chose this name for the title cut and for the album, we have been labeled a bluegrass band for quite some time. While we do have bluegrass influences, we do not consider ourselves to be a bluegrass band. Our music is hard to categorize…but it’s definitely not bluegrass. Read more>>

Vante Mack

So, everyone automatically assumes when looking at me that im this cliche rapper about making music about drugs, money and women. I couldn’t be further from that. My music and my character has morals within it. Growing up I was always charismatic and got along with everyone. Yet, it always seemed as if those friends had their own groups of friends and I wasn’t in them. I went to parties in high school but majority of the time I showed up alone. Don’t get me wrong or anything I wasn’t a loser to an extent. Girls liked me and I put in work but nothing had substance you know. Girls would come over to my house and my mother would never be home and instead of doing all of what most teenagers would be thinking, it was none of that. Read more>>

Johnny Saffire

Being misunderstood. I sometimes feel like this is the story of my life. In the kaleidoscopic realm of music and artistic self-discovery, it’s an all too familiar shade that resonates deeply with both Reign and I. It’s a sentiment that often shadows the footsteps of artists who tread the road less traveled as they grapple with the elusive quest to forge an identity that truly connects with people. Our quest for an identity that resonates deeply with the masses has proven to be an elusive pursuit, shrouded in a mystique we’re still trying to decipher. The question that Lingers: is this disconnect due to a lack of exposure or some enigmatic facet of our image that keeps us veiled in obscurity? Read more>>

Katrina Gorman

It’s such an amazing thing to be able to create freely as an artist. Since I enjoy working in several mediums, I let people know I’m a multi-medium artist. There are some criticisms by some saying ‘well you’re just all over the place.’ I believe original art has an original thought. Each piece does have it’s own story and how it comes to be is its own. And the appreciator that resignates with that one original is who it’s meant for so they don’t all have to be done the same way. Art is meant to be what is seen through the artists eyes to report to the world. Read more>>

Michael Steven-PAUL (Mikey Jay)

I have always been the type of director and producer to enlighten my actors and teach them about the film industry. I have always done my due diligence to give them much needed teachings and information about the legal and ethical aspects of the film industry but for some reason or another some ran with what i was teaching or instilling within them or some just bumped their heads. Some actors (not all), have this thing that they are owed something or that they’re doing you a favor when in fact they should be happy for the blessing that’s been bestowed upon them. Read more>>

Mookedout

I take my craft seriously i build my catalogue from the ground Up I’m looking to build with like minded people I’m more than just a artist I’m the investor CEO etc .everyday I wake up to help people
That battle with mental disabilities and Substance abuse I like to help people with there back to the wall situations I motivation. Read more>>

Christian Langston

I feel like I’ve been mischaracterized much of my life. I have a wide array of skills and interests, many of which may counterintuitive when seen together. I think the biggest misunderstanding people have about me is my upbringing and what’s most important to me as a person. I grew up in rural Montana, in a small town where everyone knows each other. We work with farm animals, spend most of our time outdoors, and hold family above anything else. When people meet me, all they see is someone living in LA working in the music industry. Of course I love my life here with the nightlife and fast-paced lifestyle, but that isn’t what makes me who I am. I’m bred from mountains, wildlife, and my community; I’ll always be a country boy at my core. Read more>>

Myra Jackson

As as black woman who as Autism, I was often told I would never going to be much in life. Expectations were low for me. Growing up I was bullied and misunderstood in school as well as under supported. I almost committed suicide several times, and taken advantage of my whole life. I thought I didn’t put myself and gave myself to others that would find love and happiness. I often felt I was unworthy of have any agency unless it was given to me. Read more>>

Janan Ashton

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt misunderstood. Like that black sheep that stands out like a sore thumb or that ugly duckling that people can’t quite comprehend the foundation of its creation… yeah, that’s me. My earliest memories include me fighting to be understood by those around me, and with that understanding, I often assumed acceptance would come with it. However, the combination never did, and it would leave me triggered, feeling invisible and ignored. This was the original reason that I became an actor; I thought that being on stage or on camera would show the REAL me to those who I longed to be accepted by. Once again, I was overlooked and unseen. Read more>>

Belle Garcia

“There was a particular phase in my childhood when I felt like I was trying too hard to find my place in society. My school years were particularly difficult for me to endure; I felt observed, but not in a way that made me comfortable. The school I was enrolled in was not particularly good in its treatment of its students. I found myself frequently at odds with the norms and values they would preach and the reality of their methods. I was outspoken, often questioning what I perceived as injustices, even if it meant going against the grain. Read more>>

Ivette Epps

Being misunderstood has truly marked the beginning of my creative journey. I believe this mantra resonates with many individuals because, in life’s journey, most people won’t truly grasp your essence until you’ve achieved personal milestones. Throughout my teenage years, I was always reserved and overly self-conscious about my appearance and how others might perceive me. It wasn’t until I published my first erotic poetry book in 2022 that I finally found comfort in my own skin and learned to disregard the distractions and judgments of others. Read more>>