Meet Nicolai Mitchell: Photographer and Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicolai Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicolai, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started this business, my initial thought was, wouldn’t it be cool to get paid to do what I love. I believe that if we do what we love for a living there is an excitement that comes when new opportunities arise. I do what I enjoyed, the business side just kind of made sense once the request for pricing starting pouring in. Right now it is continued growth and learning as I expand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Where I am today has been a long journey and I can’t necessarily say an easy one. Anytime someone decides to go against the grain and do something uncommon it’s usually paired with lots of doubt as well as lots of doubters. To be able to push myself mentally and continue with my art can be a struggle. My mind is a mix of analytical and creative so it sometimes feels like I’m in a battle against myself when I create. The final step in the lifecycle of art is appreciation and sometimes when an artist spends time and energy creating art, what they value most is not the money but that their work is appreciated. Don’t get me wrong, we will take the money but the positive feedback on the work is most valued. In the past I would create and hold my breath to see if my work was appreciated once I shared it, and if wasn’t as well received as I had hoped I would critique and find everything I could have done better. Over time what I have learn is not to seek validation for my work solely on the feedback of others but to ask myself do I enjoy it. If I enjoy it, then I share it. My goal with my brand is to create unique looks, or movements that affect the viewer in a profound way or illicit some sort of emotion. Every project is a blank canvas and the intent is always with a masterpiece in mind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So many things to do here in Houston, and with a such a diverse cultural mix there’s something for everyone. There are tons of beautiful parks so I would take them to as many as I could. The food here is incredible, with a little something from all over the world. I would treat my friend to something different every day. If I had to explain one of the days, and depending on the friend visiting I would say we could have brunch at Churrascos in the Woodlands, maybe visit the mall or a few of the stores near the waterway then later head downtown to… wait this kinda feels like this person is more than just my friend. The point is Houston is covers a lot of territory and we won’t run out of things to do here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh the list for recognition is a long one. With so many supportive people in my life who encourage me I wouldn’t be able to list them all. I would however have to say it started with the belief of my little brother. He saw things in me that I didn’t yet see and his belief came constant and without a doubt. I kind of felt like I owed it to him to see this through and at least try to grow.

Website: www.nicolaimitchell.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/iconic_1758
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolaimitchell
Youtube: www.youtube.com/nicolaimitchell