We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Noland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Ever since I was little, I’ve always struggled to express myself verbally, facing difficulties in communication across different parts of my life. It often felt like my thoughts and feelings didn’t matter much, as others didn’t take them seriously. This made me feel alone and unsure in my relationships, and it affected what I thought I could achieve. But then, I found a way to share my thoughts and opinions through filmmaking. It was how I felt heard.
My love for film began when I was eight years old. My brother and I would make extremely silly films just for fun, but we got better at it over time. As we grew, our stories became deeper and more meaningful. Making films became a way for me to show my emotions and views in a tangible way. I was surprised to find that I loved expressing myself this way and that I was good at it. Filmmaking became my way of breaking through the communication barriers I faced.
Things really changed when I started making documentaries about other people’s lives. Often, the people I filmed would discover things about themselves during the process, finding healing and closure by sharing their stories. That’s when I realized the power of storytelling to give voice to those who struggle to be heard.
I graduated from La Sierra University in 2019 with a degree in Film & Television Production, becoming the first in my family to go to college. It was important to me to make the most of this opportunity. With the technical skills and storytelling knowledge I gained, I felt ready to tackle any project.
Now, my goal is to use filmmaking to advocate for others and promote empathy. Creating films about resilience and compassion has been incredibly fulfilling. I believe that stories have the power to change minds and bring people together. My mission as a filmmaker is to tell stories of healing and understanding, leaving a positive impact on those who watch them. Filmmaking isn’t just a job for me; it’s a way to shape our world for the better through storytelling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My husband, Jesús Noland, and I co-own a creative studio called The Musty Creative. Our main goal is to spread love through the media we create. Whether it’s through analyzing stories on our podcast, developing hopeful mobile games, or making empathetic films, we’re committed to this mission. Our podcast features interviews with other creatives and shares inspiring stories to help people connect with each other.
We’re always looking for new ways to push boundaries in our work and are excited about what the future holds. To support us, we’ve set up a Patreon page where people can contribute and get access to exclusive content.
Check out our podcast, The Musty Creative, and follow us on social media @themustycreative to stay updated on our projects.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I’ve found three things to be really important. First off, trusting yourself is key. In a creative field, believing in your own instincts can lead to fresh and genuine work. Trusting your creative gut lets you explore new ideas and develop your own style.
Next, collaborating with people who take their work seriously has been a game-changer for me. Working with dedicated and passionate partners not only improves the quality of your projects but also brings in different viewpoints. Look for collaborators who are as committed to the craft as you are.
Lastly, learning by doing has been crucial. Instead of just relying on books, getting hands-on experience is invaluable. Practical learning not only reinforces what you’ve read but also teaches you things you can’t find in textbooks. Dive into projects and really immerse yourself in your craft.
For those starting out, I’d say focus on trusting yourself, team up with people who are passionate about what they do, and prioritize hands-on learning. Embrace challenges, stay open to new ideas, and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
At The Musty Creative, we’re all about teaming up with like-minded individuals who share our passion for creativity and our mission of spreading love through media. Whether you’re a podcaster, game developer, filmmaker, or just someone bursting with creative ideas, we’re interested in collaborating with you.
If you’re reading this and think you’d be a good fit for a partnership, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us through our official channels, and don’t forget to check out our Patreon page for more details on how you can support our work and get involved in exclusive collaborations.
Let’s join forces to create something truly special and contribute to the collective goal of spreading love through media.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/michellebnoland
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellenoland/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleNoland
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellebnoland To Follow The Musty Creative: https://www.youtube.com/@themustycreative
Image Credits
Jacquie Robinson Mark Soderblom Michelle Noland Ms.Potitocheeps
