Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Misha Venegoni. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Misha, 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.
My confidence and self-esteem weren’t things that happened overnight — they were built slowly, almost stubbornly, over years of being told I couldn’t. Growing up, I constantly heard that art wasn’t a ‘real career.’ My parents, relatives, even friends believed I’d eventually give it up for something more ‘practical.’ But deep down, I knew art wasn’t just a hobby for me — it was the core of who I am.
Instead of letting their doubts sink me, I learned to be patient and persistent. Every sketch, every painting, every long night spent teaching myself how to draw and learn better techniques became my quiet rebellion, my way of proving to myself that I could keep going. Over time, that consistency turned into a quiet kind of confidence.
I also believe that confidence isn’t about being loud or unshakable all the time. It’s about trusting yourself even when things feel uncertain — knowing that the broken parts of your story, the setbacks, and even the self-doubt are all part of your evolution. I’ve had to rebuild myself many times, but with every version, I’ve become stronger, softer, and more certain that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
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?
I create surreal, symbolic artwork that blends deeply personal narratives with universal themes like healing, identity, and transformation. My work often uses layered imagery, invite viewers to see themselves in the art, to feel that it’s not just about me, but about them and their own stories.
What excites me most is watching someone stand in front of one of my pieces and have that quiet moment of recognition — the kind where they pause, reflect, and see their own resilience reflected back at them. That connection is what makes art powerful to me.
Right now, my focus is on expanding beyond the canvas and into experiences. I’m participating in exhibitions, collaborating with galleries, and exploring digital art spaces like NFTs to share my work with a wider audience. My latest piece, Rebirth and Reflection, is showing at the Time to be happy gallery now — it’s a deeply personal work about transformation, but I hope it sparks reflection for everyone who sees it.
Ultimately, my art is my way of starting a conversation about growth and healing. Whether through gallery shows, digital releases, or future projects, I want to create pieces that people don’t just look at — they feel them, and carry a part of that experience with them long after.
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, the three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are patience, resilience, and a constant hunger to learn.
Patience was essential — I didn’t fully step into my identity as an artist until I was 35. For years, I held this part of me quietly, nurturing it when I could, even when life pulled me in other directions. I used to feel like I was ‘late’ to the art world, but now I see that everything I experienced before this moment gave my work its depth and meaning. If you’re just starting, remember: your timeline is valid. Trust it.
Resilience came from being told, over and over, that art wasn’t a real path. I had people dismiss my passion — and even destroy my work — because they couldn’t stand to see someone express something creatively and accept that their individual perspective was not the truth for someone else. That could have broken me. But I chose to rebuild. I chose to keep creating. And every time I did, I became more certain of my voice.
And finally, my hunger to learn has kept me going when nothing else could. I’m always exploring — new techniques, tools, ideas, even unfamiliar mediums. Curiosity is how I stay connected to the joy of making. If you’re just starting out, don’t wait to feel ‘ready.’ Start where you are, stay open, and let the act of learning be your fuel.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support and belief of a few extraordinary people. My husband, Jonathan Venegoni (Jonny), is truly my anchor. He sees the version of me I used to be too scared to believe in — the artist, the visionary, the woman with something to say. He and his family encouraged me to take my work seriously, and that push led me to finally step into my art career just this past March. Without their support, I don’t think I would have had the courage to begin at all.
My brother has also been a constant presence in my life — someone who never stops believing in me, even when I question myself. His quiet faith in my ability reminds me that I’m not alone, and that’s a powerful thing.
My highschool art teacher, Fareha Zeba is the one who taught me how to draw and was the first person to believe in my talent for art. I also am extremely grateful for my highschool Literature teacher, Idrak Hossain, who taught me that the way I see the world and think can become my super power.
And I carry the memory of my late friend Jacque Bredy very close to my heart. He inspired me to start drawing again at a time when I thought I had nothing left — no creativity, no voice. His encouragement helped me reconnect with my artistic self after years of silence.
Each of these people reminded me, in their own way, that I have something worth sharing. Their belief became the foundation I could build on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mishavenegoni.com
- Instagram: @mishavenegoni
- Twitter: @mishavenegoni
Image Credits
Caroline Alarcon Loor
Jaime Marrero
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