We were lucky to catch up with Michael Wolfe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism is deeply rooted in my love for creative experimentation. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the process of trying new hobbies and passions. Each new experience presented an opportunity to explore new concepts through brainstorming and experimentation, which really showcased to me the fun and joy of thinking outside of the box. Even in moments of failure, I found solace in the knowledge that every challenge was just a stepping stone forwards in my journey.
Today, my optimism serves as a guiding light in both my personal and professional endeavors. It fuels my passion for exploration and fuels my determination to push boundaries and explore my respective crafts. By embracing the creative joy of experimentation, I remain steadfast in my belief that the future holds limitless opportunities for growth and success.
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?
I am thrilled to share with you the essence of what I do as a freelance photographer and videographer with my company Wolfeden Media, as well as a exciting new venture with KOLD Creatives.
At Wolfeden Media my primary focus is capturing the essence of spectacular moments, and showcasing the talents of artists and businesses alike, whether it’s through the lens of a camera or the frame of a video. What I find most exhilarating about my work is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of artists and companies, each with their own unique vision and story to tell. Whether it’s a captivating commercial shoot, attention grabbing social media content, compelling documentary interviews, or a dynamic music video, I am passionate about helping my clients bring their ideas to life in a visually stunning way.
What sets my brand apart is not only the quality of my work but also the personalized approach we take with each project. I believe in building strong relationships with my clients, taking the time to truly understand their needs and vision, and then bringing that vision to life with creativity, and precision.
On top of my freelance work, I am thrilled to announce the launch of KOLD Creatives, a collaborative endeavor with some of my closest friends. KOLD (Keen on Living Dreams) is a multidisciplinary company that specializes in content production, event management and promotion, as well as artist development and music production. Our mission is to provide a one-stop solution for all our clients’ creative needs, offering a seamless and comprehensive approach to visual storytelling, live event showcases and artistic expression.
Our KOLD team recently hosted an incredibly successful hip-hop showcase at our headquarters nestled within Lot 12 Studios in Escondido. The event featured live hip-hop performances, numerous merchandise vendors, a delicious food truck, captivating live graffiti art, and pop up flash tattoos. Drawing in over 250 attendees throughout the night, the event was an absolute triumph.
This occasion marks just the beginning of our planned events for the year, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come. Stay tuned for more electrifying shows and experiences from the KOLD team!!!
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities have been most impactful: creative experimentation, perseverance, and adaptability.
Firstly, creative experimentation has been crucial. It’s allowed me to continuously brainstorm and explore new concepts, preventing me from feeling restricted to a single idea. My advice for those starting out is to embrace experimentation fearlessly. Allow yourself the freedom to explore and take risks, it’s through experimentation that we often discover our most innovative and unique ideas.
Secondly, perseverance has played a significant role in my journey. Starting a business in the creative field can be slow-going, and it takes time for others to recognize and trust in your work. My advice is to stay committed and resilient. Believe in your artistry and vision, and keep pushing forward even when faced with obstacles. With perseverance comes consistency, and with consistency comes great habits and progress.
Lastly, adaptability has been essential in navigating the ever-changing landscape of photography and videography. Being able to pivot ideas quickly and collaborate effectively is crucial in this field. We’ve got to remain open-minded and flexible. Embrace change and be willing to adjust your approach as needed. Sometimes, the best ideas emerge from unexpected places, so stay adaptable and allow creativity to flourish.
All in all for those embarking on their creative journey, I encourage you to embrace creative experimentation, persevere through challenges, and remain adaptable to change. These qualities will not only help you succeed in your passions but also lead to personal and artistic growth along the way.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Collaboration is key to fostering creativity and growth in the community of photography and videography. I am always on the lookout for like-minded individuals who share my passion for creative experimentation and are eager to embark on exciting projects together.
If you’re someone who is enthusiastic about pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and exploring innovative ideas, I would love to connect and collaborate with you. Whether you’re a fellow photographer, videographer, artist, or creative professional, if you’re driven by a shared desire to create compelling work and elevate our craft, I believe there are endless opportunities for us to collaborate and achieve great things together.
If you’re interested in collaborating or exploring potential projects, reach out on instagram and send me a DM. Let’s join forces, share our expertise, and create something compelling visuals!
Contact Info:
- Website: wolfeden.media
- Instagram: instagram.com/wolfeden.media
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WolfedenMedia
Image Credits
all photos from Wolfeden Media
