We were lucky to catch up with Joe Mikoli recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joe , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
When finding yourself as the only one in the room who looks like you, it’s essential to cultivate a mindset of confidence and self-belief. Embrace your uniqueness and recognize the value you bring to the situation. By believing in your abilities and focusing on your strengths, you can project a positive image that resonates with others.
Networking and building relationships play a pivotal role in such scenarios. Despite differences in background, connecting with others in the room can help you navigate unfamiliar terrain, foster understanding, and creating a support network. Developing a genuine rapport with those around you can ease the feeling of isolation and lead to positive collaborative opportunities.
Equipping yourself with knowledge and thorough preparation is a fundamental strategy. Demonstrating excellence in your field establishes your credibility and underlines your contributions.
Effective communication is paramount. Express your thoughts, ideas, and opinions clearly and confidently. Articulate communication ensures that your perspective is not only heard but also understood. It empowers you to actively participate in discussions and decision-making processes, fostering a sense of inclusion.
Resilience and perseverance are vital when facing challenges as the only person who looks like you. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Cultivating resilience allows you to overcome hurdles, learn from failures, and emerge stronger.
Above all, remain authentic. Authenticity allows you to stand out in a sincere and meaningful way. Remember that adapting these strategies to your personality and specific circumstances is key to navigating situations where you are the only one who looks like you.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
After dedicating over 17 years to the creative field, specifically in graphic design and photography, I can proudly say that my journey has been one of growth and experience. Graduating from Cal State University, Northridge in 2006, I embarked on my career in graphic design, which eventually led me to freelance projects encompassing various clients and magazine designs within the fitness industry. This exposure played a pivotal role in shaping my path towards fitness and lifestyle photography. With a passion for capturing moments through the lens, I have honed my photography skills over the past 8 years, embracing a combination of formal education, trial and error, and valuable insights from some seasoned photographers.
What distinguishes me from others is my uniqueness. Just like others are true to themselves, I capture the world through my lens. Through my photography, I strive to reflect the world as I see it, capturing genuine moments that resonate with viewers. Having spent considerable time behind the camera, I take immense pride in the creative body of work I have amassed over the years. It has been a privilege to collaborate with clients who have recognized my talent, leading to remarkable opportunities. Whenever I hold my camera, set up my lighting equipment, or utilizing natural light for the photoshoot, I approach each subject with enthusiasm, knowing that great results await.
Undoubtedly, the creative field presents its fair share of challenges. Throughout my journey, I have faced ups and downs, but I have persevered by taking risks, putting in long hours, and overcoming technical obstacles inherent in photography. Along the way, I have fostered valuable online business relationships and forged meaningful connections with inspiring individuals who have played a pivotal role in my recognition and the opportunities that have come my way. Notably, Instagram has been an invaluable platform for showcasing my work, engaging with my audience, and fostering a community of like-minded individuals. Passion drives my involvement in the competitive Southern California creative scene, always pushing me to strive for greatness in everything I undertake.
Finally, one of my greatest sources of pride is the recognition my work has garnered over the years, which continues to this day. I have had the privilege of having my work published in both print and online magazines, including esteemed publications such as Status Fitness, Oxygen, Strong Fitness Australia, Today Show online, Inside Fitness, Muscle & Fitness UK, and many others. I eagerly anticipate further accomplishments and opportunities on the horizon, ready to embrace them with open arms.
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 at my journey, the significance of building relationships, continuous improvement and harnessing my online presence in growing my clientele within the creative industry were three that stood out in my journey.
For those at the early stages of their journey, there are strategic ways to develop and enhance these aspects. Building genuine and lasting relationships is a foundation for success in any field. As you embark on your journey, consider networking opportunities such as attending industry/creative events and workshops/photo meetups to engage with other creatives. Actively participate in conversations, share your insights, and establish meaningful connections with like-minded creatives. Value exchange is a principle to uphold. Initiate meaningful interactions by offering value to others. This could involve sharing your expertise, offering assistance, or collaborating on projects. By contributing meaningfully, you establish a strong presence and foster a sense of reciprocity.
In the digital landscape, your online presence serves as a potent tool. Consistent content creation is key. Develop and share content relevant to your expertise such as social media updates/posts, tutorials/ insights into your creative process. Instagram is the perfect social media platform and it is my favorite I use regularly. Regular content establishes your authority and keeps your audience engaged. Engagement is essential in today’s digital age. Maintain an updated and well-organized online portfolio that showcases your finest work providing potential clients and collaborators with a clear view of your skills and distinctive style.
As your journey continues, embrace a mindset of continuous improvement to sustain your growth. Adopt a learning mindset. Approach every interaction, project, or endeavor as an opportunity for learning and growth. Embrace feedback, both positive and constructive, as a means to refine your skills and approaches. The creative industry evolves swiftly. Remain receptive to experimenting with new strategies, adapting to emerging trends, and exploring innovative technologies. . Establish both short-term and long-term goals for your relationship-building and online presence efforts.
Lastly, building relationships, continuous improvement and enhancing your online presence demand dedication and patience. Consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to learn from experiences are key ingredients that will continue to contribute to your success.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth and improvement has been in securing features and publications for my photography work. This accomplishment has highlighted the quality and distinctiveness of my work, showcasing my dedication to refining my craft.
Moreover, I’ve harnessed the power of AI technology to expedite my workflow. By integrating Retouch4me into my photography processes, I’ve efficiently managed tasks, freeing up more time to focus on the creative aspects of my work. This dual progression reflects my commitment to staying adaptable and advancing both artistically and technically.
Moving forward, I intend to build upon these achievements, consistently pushing my creative boundaries and streamlining my workflow. This journey underscores the evolving dynamics between creativity and technology, enabling me to showcase more to a broader audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joemikoli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmikoli_designphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmikoli/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikoli/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikoli
Image Credits
Betty Jean Tokunaga Jasmin Hernandez Liz Finch Maia Grace Masha Olha Usha Dean Personal Photo Credit – Brian Patamakanthin
