Meet Mikaela Mosley | Artist, Production Designer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikaela Mosley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikaela, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is something that I embrace as a catalyst to change. The only way anyone can grow is to step outside their boundaries of comfort. If all anyone did was what everyone did, we would never have new ideas or discoveries. Being black in the United States is inherently risky. Where you go, how you present, how you talk and many other factors determine your safety and your success in anything. However, with those risks comes the opportunity to formulate change. I think that we are taught within our community to take the safer route, one that ensures success, comfort and possibly wealth. I see risk as something that shouldn’t limit or frighten you, but rather something that should inspire you to go in the direction of your vision and dreams. I work on this daily – trying to live a life not led by fear. If there’s no risk in something there is likely little reward. No one grows standing in the quicksand of their own fear.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud that my art reflects the complexities of who I am and what I care about. The arts saved me. I started making art in my basement as a means to express myself fully – the frustrations, the joys, the disappointments. During the pandemic, I had a lot of time to sit with my thoughts. The more I created and shared the more people would reach out to me to discuss a piece, like a post, or ask to collaborate. This was all unexpected encouragement that helped move me forward. It was never really about any of those things, but I appreciated people taking the time out of their day to share their thoughts on a project I worked on that made them feel something. I never imagined I could pursue a career in the arts because of the lack of access, resources, and connections to the art world, and I tinkered with other interests like politics and journalism. What I really desired was to be able to connect with people and do something that would make a difference in their lives. Now that I am pursuing a career as a creative, it’s exciting to me that my work affects others and is something that many people can relate to. I think that’s the beauty of the arts. It provides a platform and space to reach people you never would. I am grateful for the difficulties as well as the joys in my life because it has helped shape how I see the world and has made my walk unique. I am grateful for my community who continually gives me the room to start over, pivot and find and evolve my voice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Shopping at local flea markets (because if we’re gonna spend money it might as well be to support small businesses). Grabbing our hiking boots to hit the scenic views outside the city. A few boba stops here and there coupled with a few museum visits (you know..touristy things). Go dancing. Finally, hit the beach to wind down.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe all my successes to my family. I come from generations of strong willed people who have endured hardship and made sacrifices in order for me to have the freedoms and opportunities that I enjoy to pursue my dreams. I am also thankful for my friends who have encouraged this creativity by assisting me in my projects. It takes a village of people to cultivate the creative mind and I am forever grateful for their collective efforts.

Website: mikaelamosley.com

Instagram: @mikaelaemosley

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaela-mosley-04507016b