Artist Michelle Pang Intertwines Fashion and Conservation

Artist Michelle Pang designs eco-conscious art scarves and prints inspired by animals and plants. Her work celebrates uniqueness and biodiversity by featuring illustrations of rare wildlife, local flora and fauna and at-risk species.  Learn more about Michelle and her brand Misheo in her interview with Artisan Joy.

Where did your creative journey begin?

I’ve been creating ever since I can remember. Over the years, the positive feedback I received has encouraged me to deepen my artistic practice. I’m grateful for the continuous affirmation I have received from others, as it has allowed me to kickstart and grow my creative journey.

When did you realize that you could turn your artwork into a business?

As a formally trained illustrator, I have always found joy in colors, textures and styles. Misheo actually evolved from my very first business, making handmade felted scarves, which I started after graduating from college. I guess my passion for making scarves started then. Eventually, I realized that I could combine my drawing skills and my love for wildlife with scarf making and started transferring my illustrations onto luxurious natural fabrics to make wearable art. 

How do you define success for your business?

My primary goal with my art is to inspire a sense of appreciation for the beauty of wildlife.  Each piece is a tribute to the richness of life in the natural world. I hope that my audience can connect with these magnificent creatures on a deeper level and feel compelled to contribute to their preservation.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Nature is a profound source of inspiration for me. It also plays an important role in my creative process. One of my favorite ways to draw inspiration from nature is through immersive experiences. Exploring new places, taking leisurely walks in the park or simply sitting in a garden provide many opportunities for me to observe the endless details of the environment. The graceful movement of birds, the organic shapes of flora and the harmonious color palettes of landscapes serve as a foundation for many of my artistic ideas.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start selling their art or creative product?

Make sure you do some market research before starting! Analyze what other creators are offering and see how you can stand out from the crowd. It can also be helpful to reach out to fellow artists and entrepreneurs, as they may have some tips.

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I can spend up to a whole month working on each design. Instead of rushing through, I take my time to carefully craft and perfect every detail. It's a slower process compared to the fast-paced norm, but it allows me to create intricate and meaningful pieces that I hope my audience will appreciate.

Creatives can continuously create and refine. How do you handle perfectionism?

I think perfectionism is a wonderful thing! It helps us strive to be the best versions of ourselves, and in the art practice, it gives us the ambition to keep on improving. While embracing perfectionism can be beneficial, I believe it is crucial to also practice self-compassion in order to foster a healthy and sustainable approach to our artistic practice. 

What's something that surprised you about running a creative business?

Starting and maintaining a creative business has unearthed a vast array of responsibilities. Initially, the focus was mostly on crafting creative products. However, the tasks related to running a creative business extend far beyond the realm of artistic creation. From managing finances, handling marketing strategies, maintaining an online presence, addressing customer inquiries and ensuring timely deliveries, an artistic entrepreneur can wear a lot of hats.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

Stay passionate and persistent! Where there’s passion, there’s motivation. Building a successful creative business takes time and effort. There will be moments of self-doubt, but it's important to persevere. Keep improving your skills, learning from experiences and adapting to changes in the market. Consistency in your efforts, even during challenging times, can lead to long-term success. 

Has someone ever criticized your work? How did you handle it?

I actually love it when people give me feedback about my work. It is a welcome opportunity for me to learn from others. I view feedback as a positive way to help refine the quality of my creations.

What's a cause you are passionate about?

I am particularly passionate about supporting wildlife conservation efforts. Wildlife plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance, and unfortunately, many species face challenges. Every year, 5% of net profits from sales of scarves and art prints from Misheo are donated to wildlife in need. The funds go to organizations such as Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). 

Can you share the name of a supplier or vendor that you use for your business that you just love—one that makes running your business a bit easier? 

Adobe Creative Suite! I use Adobe Photoshop for coloring many of my artworks and Adobe Premiere Pro for editing my videos.

What brings you joy?

Having the opportunity to make a difference through my art is deeply rewarding!

Thanks, Michelle! You can learn more about her work at www.misheo.com.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.