Meet Chasely Matmanivong

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chasely Matmanivong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chasely , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For me, imposter syndrome comes often. Ive suffered from this ailment throughout my career as an athlete, student, and artist. The way I have been able to overcome imposter syndrome is setting goals that are obtainable. Once I have reached those goals, I set forth new ones until the end result came to fruition. When I played soccer, I set goals that I knew would highlight my skills as an athlete where I was able to play with the best players, where I was able to play collegiate soccer and rise above those who were causing my mind to think I lacked. When it comes to being a student and artist, imposter syndrome would hang over me. I would be in these small group settings telling myself I did not belong in the presence of these masterminds. I once again overcame this by setting achievable goals for myself. I would also give myself pep talks and affirming myself that I do belong in this circle. I also came to realize that everyone is unique in their art. Every artists’ story lies in their artwork and I am no different. Once I became more confident, collaborations, invitations, and opportunities fell into my lap and I no longer feel out of place when I am in a group of artists and people alike.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m just an Asian American girl from Alabama that is currently working towards tenure as a college professor and teaching at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. I teach entry level classes as well as non art major classes. I consider myself a “jack-of-all- trades” type of artist. I have been fortunate enough to be able to practice multiple mediums; though I specialize in cyanotype photography. For the past 2 years, I have been studying, experimenting, and mastering this type of photography. What I love most about this art form is it is unique, unpredictable and vastly unknown to many; something I can relate to. Though the process is the same every time, each photo comes out differently. Since expanding my social media presence, I have done multiple gallery shows and have done two fashion shows. I am striving to continue my career as a leader, educator and artist.

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?

I think one quality I have that has helped me succeed is being organized and mindful. A good planner, organizers whether it be for notes or equipment is essential for me to be productive. You can never be too organized and when you plan things out it also helps for you to have time for yourself outside your work. Being able to take time for your mental or physical health is so important, especially with social media where everyone’s opinion is on display.

I feel that being open minded is so important for ones journey. Not just about opinions, but ow many times has something gone wrong when you used a process that you thought was full proof? Being open minded to new processes is a goo way to expand your own knowledge about am area you thought you knew a lot bout. There were times during my career I became stubborn because I thought I was right, when I should have opened my eyes to others suggestions tat could have made things easier and where I could have learned.

I love to learn and I feel that is a good quality and mindset to have. Our brain can hold so much information and that memory board we have is eager to learn. Tying into being openminded, there should be a drive to continue learning outside a school setting. Think about visiting a local artist and asking to see their studio, sit down with them and ask questions. Even when you think you aren’t, you are learning everyday.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I have had the opportunity to collaborate with amazing artists and showcasing my skills and an art form most do not know of. I would love to collaborate with more artists to combine skills and showcase artwork. I have recently been into collaborating with fashion designers and clothes makers. This is something I want to continue! I am openminded about content and always open to experiment with anything! Contact me through my art instagram @arts.by.her

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @arts.by.her
• Facebook: Chasely Matmanivong