Meet Mischelle (she/her)

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Photographer based in Brooklyn. She's a color-bending, vision-hungry, cat lady who enjoys creative challenges and problem-solving. She took some time to share with us her work and what Support means to her.

The people I’ve met in the Asian Creative Network in the past few years have supported me the most when I needed it. There we inspire each other, all from different backgrounds and levels around the world. It’s meaningful to have this community because it motivates me to just keep going and do what I want.

Definitely having imposter syndrome or feeling like you don’t fit in with the rest. The former especially when you become good at something and get paid and recognized for your work—it’s something I had trouble getting used to! Other challenges include getting your foot in the door without connections.

Do something that scares you. Keep going and don’t be afraid to experiment, this makes you and your work special. And help is out there if you ask!

I am the firstborn of the first Chinese-American generation in my family and having this role definitely impacts my work ethic. For most of my life, I felt lost and confused being the first one to test the waters out. It’s taken me up to my adult life to realize my identity and the power and strengths in it. I’ve become a go-getter, learned to own my actions, stand up for myself, and encourage everyone younger than me to not repeat my mistakes and instead advise them properly like I had to once teach myself.

Representation is meaningful to me because it makes us more visible. I grew up in very diverse communities so it was actually a culture shock to learn that there are people out there who don’t see us as humans or want to treat us equally. Representation shows them that we are just like them and can do whatever they do, if not, better.