Interview with Canvas Rebel

I recently met with VoyageMichigan to talk about what it means to be a content creator in northern Michigan. We touched on everything from personal challenges, to the outlook of the ski industry in our region. Read more below!

Kyler, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

Be open to change. Progress isn’t made through staying the course. Creating and promoting an inclusive workplace is hard work that everyone in the organization must do. Actively seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences creates a culture that celebrates and respects differences. Creating opportunities for employees to share their unique experiences, ideas, and perspectives ensures everyone’s voice is heard and respected. Being an ally of inclusivity means standing up for what’s right, especially when you actively see discrimination. Cultivate an environment where every employee feels a sense of belonging. Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and empathy.

I have also learned, especially working within larger organizations, that leadership plays a pivotal role in inclusivity. Ensuring that company leaders actively champion diversity and inclusion initiatives and lead by example is critical to inclusivity at work. Reviewing and revising company policies and developing clear guidelines that prevent discrimination, harassment, and bias are great ways to foster an inclusive organizational culture.

Kyler, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Northern Michigan commercial and lifestyle photographer who believes every moment deserves to be captured. Whether it’s commercial, lifestyle, or portrait photography, I want to bring visions to life through the art of photography. Regarding my work, I want potential clients to know that I am not just another creative professional but a dedicated partner invested in their success. I believe in building long-term relationships based on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. I value the power of storytelling, and through my work, I aim to create compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression on audiences. My ability to combine creativity with a deep understanding of my client’s objectives distinguishes my work.

I believe in the power of collaboration, working closely with my clients to grasp their vision, brand values, and target market. This enables me to deliver content that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also aligned with their goals. Additionally, I prioritize staying current with the latest industry trends and technologies. By continually honing my skills and embracing innovation, I am proud to offer clients fresh and cutting-edge creative solutions.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Never stop learning. I have a background in marketing, so being able to look at content from a slightly more analytic viewpoint keeps me on the edge of my seat. Whether staying current on the latest social media trends, learning a new design skill, or just honing in on what I already know, it motivates me to keep reaching higher.

I took some basic photography classes in college, but I never seemed to find the fundamentals of taking a photo “the right way”. Of course, creativity was encouraged, although my instructor did not let it shine through in project scores, so I just learned my way around my camera and let the rest fall into place. I’ve always found comfort in working with natural light since it’s the most authentic product. But lately, I’ve been playing with studio lighting, and it is certainly a tool I will continue to master.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I always strive for perfection. So much so that it can start to do more harm than good; sometimes, I can be overly critical of my work and discard work that others would be proud of because it wasn’t “just right.” Trying to get the one money shot every time instead of creating a more versatile content library has left me coming up short on deliverables and feeling like I am an imposter.

Teaching myself that only some pieces of content are going to be a masterpiece really helped me realize that growth and refinement are all part of the process. Learning to stay committed to what I know and how to refine my current skills has not only improved my state of mind, but it’s also allowed me to become a better creator than I was before.