Today we’d like to introduce you to Maiya Michelle.
Hi Maiya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved creating new things and seeing where I can take them, I believe that me being a Jill of all trades has helped me expand my preceptive of photography. being heavily influenced by fashion, my drawings, and other forms of art have shaped me into the artist I am today. As much as my art forms would take a different path so was I. Photography wasn’t the career, I saw myself doing at first, I actually wanted to be a fashion designer for years. And then a graphic designer through those passions grew my love for photography, which I didn’t know was there. Throughout my journey, I was fortunate to come across people that have helped me along the way. I was very grateful to have someone like my grandfather, who not only taught me about photography but guided me. He kept me grounded when I felt like my art wasn’t enough or I could do better than I did the last time. He was my balance and my anchor; I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Growing as an artist and looking back at everything so far, I can only say it wasn’t easy, but I will say photography had become my most fluent form of expression, and this is what drove my passion to keep creating. I wanted to allow people to see things through my eyes, also let people see things differently, and make their own interpretations of the piece. I knew I was doing what I truly loved.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe that there are always going to be challenges along the way. it’ll come times when your dreams and desires will be tested. You’re going to get frustrated and there are going to be nights that you don’t sleep the best if you truly believe you are walking in your purpose it’ll all be worth it in the end. When I first started, my main struggle was perfecting my craft, and letting myself be obsessed with taking better photos blindsided me from seeing how much progress I was already making. That was very difficult for me because social media, made me feel like I had a standard to live by. When it all actuality I set the standard for my own art. I also struggled was feeling less than at times or that I had to hit this bar that you never truly reach because everyone’s bar is different. That’s why I talk a lot about taking time for yourself and getting off the internet is so important because it will consume you. I’d get so caught in perfecting and trying to “keep up” with others that I couldn’t see how great my art is just the way it is.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Photographer, Creative Director, Model, and many more like I mentioned I’ve always enjoyed different forms of art and expressing myself. With my photography, I mainly specialize in Conceptual, Fashion, Editorial, and Fine artwork, I love learning other avenues of photography and pushing those boundaries within my craft to try new things and discover what else I like. I produce thought-provoking material, my art touches people in many different ways. This allows people to get in touch with their emotions and start a conversation with their peers. I am tenacious, ambitious, and inspiring I go after what I want. I instill that energy into others, and I inspire them to continue being them and to achieve their goals. Taking the risk of following my passion, instead of doing something that wouldn’t fulfill me in life is what I’m most proud of. Being an artist has always been slandered, whether it was coming from older generations or from people who couldn’t see themselves doing it. What I want other creatives to know is it’s going to be a lot of doubt surrounding you at times. People may not support your pursuit and that’s okay. As long as you’re following your purpose and secure in what you do that’s all that matters. So don’t let outside forces consume you, and never let someone’s opinion change the path you sought out for yourself.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
When the whole world went on lockdown one of the important lessons, I think we all learned as we all needed that time to slow down. Life moves fast and when everything happened it felt like the world had stopped. Being at home for that period of time gave everyone a chance to really cherish what they have and reflect on life thus far. Especially me I learned more about myself and where I wanted to go in life during that time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anglesbymai/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/maiyamichelle__?s=21
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUATPcReDMj2bfle-7lKGqA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@themaiyamichelle?
Image Credits
Anglesbymai
@x.zandrea
@kennniie
@big_body_lani
@cp_mcmitchell
@1.bryce
@sydielife
@chi_nation101
@iffersss
@loricvie
