Meet John Michael Notarte

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

John Michael, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I fully embodied self confidence and self-esteem when I stopped caring about what other people will say. It took me most of my life to harness that energy of authenticity. Giving yourself that freedom to be unapologetically yourself is one of the greatest gift a man could give oneself. Everything comes naturally when you are yourself, it’s a beautiful butterfly effect of magic and power to be in that spirit.

I developed my skills through being more honest with myself and my craft. Everything i do is an extension of me, i want to make what i create more personal, tapping into the core of my being and artistry. I have to constantly set the most honest intentions to make the process of creating authentic, meaningful, and heARTfelt.

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

I am a model based and artist based in los angeles. Having the freedom to create via different art form to express, to grow, and to ultimately makes up my life. Modeling allows me to harness core emotions and flow with them, it’s somewhat therapeutical for me, It fuels me and be in one with my spirit. Sitting on the chair, getting hair and make up done is one of my favorite part of modeling. I get to talk to make up artists, fellow models, and other creative; it’s truly inspiring listening and sharing stories and memories behind the scenes, and to me it’s so beautiful knowing that there’s like minded people like you with burning passion over the artistry they are pursuing and celebrating.

I am also a ceramicist, I have a collection of handmade ceramic bags debuted last April 2024 seen on the runway show of Dawang New York ss24. I opened my commission for my ceramic handbags and by far since April I have produce 7 custom handbags, all over Los Angeles, New York, and Shanghai, China. It’s been humbling seeing people appreciate and support what I do, and seeing them in it makes me feel like I am in the right path of life.

My recent design work is a collection of upcycled denim sunglasses, I used thrifted sunglasses and denim scraps sent by my designer friends. I now have an official renewal collection with Dawang New York for my upcycled sunglasses using sustainably sourced materials (denim scraps, beads, and signature dawang brocade fabric). You can check out my denim upcycled sunglass collection at dawangnewyork.com for pre order.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Boldness, Perseverance, and a lot of Heart is what brought me to where I am at in my career. When I realized that being authentic to my self freed me to create unapologetically. I consider my art an extension of who I am as person, I aspire to continue sharing my heart to the world and be generous in it. A simple piece of advice from me would be; to live authentically is to life freely.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parent’s selflessness and sacrifices impacted me in ways that if it weren’t for their love, generosity, and support i would not be where I am right now, as an artist and a person. My mom showed me that life is about pursuing what you love, what you feel good in, what you feel connected to, that to live with purpose is the true essence of one’s journey. She encouraged me that happiness comes from allowing yourself to be in one with your spirit, that staying true to your core holds and unfolds how beautiful life is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.onyxunity.com/models/499-john/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ_VUHnRA6a3C8Vg1CMVjE30zBh791_ieA2dmIAlNAREvcVBBr5zStmKhY_aem_3bX7Xo2X4-jzefoshLWRvw
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thefellahadid
• Other: You can check out my ceramic pieces available at Lang Los Angeles.
  441 Gin Ling Way Los Ageles CA

Image Credits

Creative Direction: John Michael Notarte
Photography; Vanessa Mae Lim
MUA: Incrediclestress