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creators2020/10/07

5 Minutes With... Misheo

by Becky Elliott

Misheo specializes in luxurious scarves and nature themed art prints created by Canadian designer Michelle Pang. She founded Misheo with an aim to make artwork that can raise awareness for preserving biodiversity. Each design features a thoughtfully handcrafted original illustration, inspired by nature’s unique flora and fauna. The brand celebrates biodiversity by featuring her illustrations of local or rare wildlife, and at-risk species on small-run prints. These gorgeous, intricate nature themed pieces can be worn or framed on the wall. We sat down with Michelle to find out more about her brand.

How did Misheo begin?

After receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design, I immersed myself in freelance graphic design and illustration work, painting for local gallery exhibitions, and maintaining my own scarves felting business. It all came together in 2016 when I decided to combine all my skills into a passion project designing and selling illustrated art scarves and prints.

Have you always been interested in design? 

Yes, I loved experimenting with different mediums and styles, using traditional and digital methods, and was taught to draw portraits very well at a young age. My brand Misheo really helped to find my voice as an artist. I love the challenge of depicting animals and plants in a beautiful but unconventional way. 

How would you describe your aesthetic? 

Misheo prints are elegant, whimsical, and have intricate compositions that colorfully showcase wildlife. Each very detailed piece reflects the long process that goes into the making of it.

What have been the highest and lowest points on your journey so far? 

At times, I questioned if it was the correct path to pursue a creative field because I struggled to find a purpose for my art.  Amidst these doubts, I kept practicing and educating myself.  A few years ago, I transitioned to the idea of combining my interest for animals with my illustration skills to create art scarves and prints. I feel like this is the best decision I have made as an entrepreneur and my brand has continued to grow since then. 

What do you love most about your job? 

I enjoy researching different wildlife and inspiring people to learn more about them through my drawings.  It makes me very happy when customers have positive feedback about my work.

What are the morals you run your brand by? 

Through my work, I aim to increase awareness of at-risk species and inspire others to care more about the flora and fauna around them.  We value quality over quantity, and slow fashion over fast fashion, aiming to create brilliant high quality products that can last for generations.

How would you describe your customer base? 

Our designs appeal to the animal and plant lovers, art collectors, and environmentally conscious women, to name a few. Customers also love to have high quality and beautiful accessories to brighten up their outfit. 

Do you ever struggle to stay inspired? 

Yes! Luckily, to maintain my shop, there are many other things to organize, including maintaining websites, packing orders, taking care of finances and more, so I don’t need to feel artistically inspired every minute of the day. Some of my best inspirations come at a time when I’m least expecting it! I also tend to feel inspired when I’m out for walks or traveling in foreign places. 

What was the inspiration behind your latest collection? 

My latest collection is inspired by the ocean, which is home to so many different kinds of marine life. The ocean represents over 90% of the habitable space on the planet! Some pieces in this collection were also influenced by personal travels to remote islands, where we snorkeled amidst amazing sea creatures and corals, a once in a lifetime experience that created wonderful memories I really appreciate and hope to preserve.  

Can you tell us about your favourite piece from your collection?

One of my most popular designs includes the rabbits and pomegranates print. I love this design because it reminds me of my fruit loving, veggie eating son. He’s my favorite kind of animal, a pet rabbit!

What is the most important thing you’ve learned on your journey?

Don’t be discouraged if you fail, for some of the best opportunities can come from your persistence and experience. 

Is there another designer whose work you particularly admire? 

Late William Morris’ textile design work really resonates with me. I enjoy looking endlessly at his seamless and repeating nature themed patterns. On the fashion apparel side, I also admire Paul Smith’s collections, much of which I feel has an artistic, handmade quality, but with a modern twist.

What drew you to Wolf & Badger? 

As an independent female designer who values quality and ethically made one of a kind pieces, I feel like I fit right in at Wolf & Badger. The platform has allowed me to reach a whole new international audience and I’m grateful for that. 

Where do you see the brand in 5 years? 

I see our products reaching a wider audience in stores across the world, including boutiques, museum shops, and select department stores. Our vision is to also partner with various charities to promote and support wildlife conservation.