Pushing The Envelope: Cap' City Creatives Pt. 1

Lansing millennials who are pushing the creative envelope forward in Michigan's capital city

In the 517, big things are happening. Lansing, MI has produced greatness in the past (think Magic Johnson and Google founder Larry Page), and with a rising new generation, rises new greatness. To premier the Pushing The Envelope series, a series dedicated to millennials everywhere who are driving the world forward, here is pt.1 of "Cap City Creatives," where we're highlighting minds that are indeed pushing Lansing, MI's creative scene forward.

Marquan Jones, Videography - Acting - Motivational Speaking - Fitness

You can't put a label on one of Lansing's premier creative minds. Regardless of generation Marquan shines bright; but the millennials like calling him one of our own. Still fresh in his 20's, he stands tall as a creative mind that's willing to use his own trauma in his work. That work spans fields too; from producing engaging videos, to acting in them and it's all published on his website*. He is a motivational speaker and an up and coming fitness influencer. But no labels needed, just work.

A quote from Marquan Jones on the importance of being a creator: "Being a creator has many different forms, basically looking at every opportunity from an authentic perspective, turning every opportunity into a fruit, that allows many other people to benefit from it in a inspiring way. Most importantly creators solve problems, from a life or craft perspective"

AON NoSleep Milli, Music Artist

NoSleep is another creative who is on fire right now. Every track NoSleep touches, his raw emotion is shifted into creative bars. Bars that you can hear on all the major platforms - that's the work he's putting in. Rap is a craft few are good at and, as Milli shows, for good reason. It takes immense creativity to deliver your life into a track that people like. His album "4th Quarter"* did just that.

NoSleep on why creativity is important in music: "Creativity is very important! You can either sound like the person thats poppin' or you can sound like yourself. Me, I’m my own boss - I wouldn’t dare mimic another man's sound or style. That’s what makes me unique."

Mikael Isaac, Graphic Designer

Mikael, The Fine Designer (tfd)*, is on top of her game as a creative! She channels her creativity into some of the flyest graphic designs in the Capital City. Right in the middle of building an online platform, Mikael is preparing to introduce the 517 to her style on a larger scale. For someone who has always been passionate about her craft, her grind to become a creative great goes one fire graphic design at a time.

Mikael explains why she went into graphic design: "Graphic Design is my creative outlet because it allows to take arbitrary elements and turn them into something beautiful. I love being able to take a blank canvas or small concept and create a masterpiece."

Myles Johnson, Entrepreneur - Clothing Designer - Poet - Speaker

From a YOUNG age, Myles knew it was all about business and creativity. As a teen he launched his first business designing tie clips. You need a keen eye to identify a niche market for a business before you're even 20. And you need a creative mind to do it with tie-clips (my favorite clothing accessory). My guy combined both. Since launch, big dog has continued heading his tie-clip company, Inspirational Tie Clips*, all while becoming a full-time student at Bowling Green State University and rising to leadership on campus.

Myles is still ascending. That's scary.

Myles, how does being a business mind and a creative mind, combine to produce success?

"Entrepreneurship and creativity go hand in had in with each other. There are so many entrepreneurs in today's world, it is essential to be creative. Creativity transmutes into increasing sales and brand awareness. Which is important, especially for small businesses to grow and become stronger companies. It's all about the mindset; to become better. But the other key ingredient is consistency. Creativity can be sporadic if not directed with a plan. Consistency and creativity equal a good recipe for success."

*Marquan Jones: marquanjones.com

*AON NoSleep Milli: Music streaming across all major platforms (Tidal, Apple, Youtube etc) under same name

*Mikael Isaac: thefinedesigner.com

*Myles Johnson: stylesbymyles.com ; IG: thestylesbymyles