Meet Ann Michelle

We were lucky to catch up with Ann Michelle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ann, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity isn’t linear. It comes and goes. Some days it feels as natural as breathing, and other days it feels completely lost. What I have learned is that creativity is not a gift given randomly or a privilege for a few. Everyone is creative. Humans are thinkers, observers, inventors, storytellers. We all create in different ways, with different languages and forms.

Creativity doesn’t belong to artists alone; it belongs to anyone willing to stay curious. These are a few ways I keep mine alive:

1) Have hobbies
When we are children, we create without fear. We imagine worlds, we play with colors, we change shapes and roles easily. We do things just to do them, not for money, validation, productivity, or status. Somewhere along the way, we learn that everything we do must serve a purpose: financial, professional, or social. And we stop doing things simply for the pleasure of doing them.

When I turned 25, I decided to return to acrobatics and began practicing aerial dance. Not to perform, compete, or master it. I just wanted to reconnect with my body. It sparked parts of myself I had forgotten. I felt fear, excitement, and presence again. From there, creativity spilled into other areas of my life: sewing, mosaics, digital collages, podcasting. Trying different disciplines activates new creative pathways. If you’re a musician, take a painting class. If you’re a dancer, try writing. Creativity expands when you let it move freely.

2) Get bored
Some of my best ideas have come from doing nothing. Sitting alone at the park, watching, listening, or simply existing. We live in a world full of noise and stimulation, and very rarely do we find silence. Creativity cannot be forced. It appears in unexpected moments, while watching a squirrel climb a tree, a kid running through the grass, or a plane crossing the sky. Sometimes it comes from a memory, from a feeling, from a question. But for it to arrive, you have to create space and be willing to listen.

3) Use your hands
Ideas remain abstract until they become something tangible. Write by hand. Draw. Play. Build. Touch. Our senses are powerful receptors. They help us understand not only what surrounds us, but how we relate to it. When you materialize an idea, even imperfectly, you give it a chance to evolve. Creativity lives in action, not just thought.

4) Look for change
Routine has never been my strength. Change is one of humanity’s greatest assets. Our ability to evolve is what defines us. Creativity thrives when you disrupt your patterns. Go to a new coffee shop. Listen to an artist you’ve never heard before. Try a new dish. Talk to people with different beliefs, cultures, or values. You don’t have to agree with them. Understanding alone can expand your perspective and spark new ideas.

5) Feel deeply
There are no instructions for creating something meaningful. Many artists who shaped culture were intense feelers. Sensitive, emotional, sometimes troubled and misunderstood. Feeling deeply is not something to hide. It is not a weakness. The work begins when you learn how to turn those emotions into expression. The world doesn’t connect with perfection. It connects with honesty. When you allow yourself to show who you truly are, you give others permission to recognize themselves in your work.

Creativity stays alive when we stay open. To curiosity, to feeling, to change, and to ourselves.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Throughout my career, I have helped brands and individuals discover their visual identity and brand voice across social media, community events, and creative projects. I’ve directed documentaries, managed influencer marketing, organized events and facilitated meaningful conversations on my podcast. What excites me most is seeing people uncover their own voice and expression through art. I believe creativity has the power to connect us, heal us, and inspire change. Right now, I’m focused on growing my creative platform, exploring new ways to support artists, share their stories and discover untapped talent to make the world a better place.

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?

An important skill is the ability to be multicultural and adapt to different environments while learning the ins and outs of any project. Mastering technical skills, like editing or drone operation, has also helped me get a foot in the door in music, film, and fashion. Another key skill is knowing how to listen and ask questions; the more information you gather, the better your chances of mastering your craft. Finally, being able to give productive feedback, catch errors, and offer solutions is invaluable. My advice is to take every opportunity available until you establish yourself as a reliable and trusted asset.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I want to connect with people who are passionate about making art human, relatable, accessible, and genuine. I love stories and community. On my podcast “Close Friends” I’ve shared guests’ journeys from surviving explosions to growing up as music reporters and I’d love to sit down with anyone who wants to make the world a better place through their art and vision. Creativity thrives when people come together, share ideas, and push each other to grow. In uncertain times, true power comes from connection. Reach out any time!

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