Bridge the Gap: Support While I Regroup and Rebuild

Hi, I’m Michael.

This isn’t an easy thing for me to do. Asking for help is uncomfortable, and I’ve debated for a long time whether to share this publicly — but sometimes the strongest thing you can do is admit you need a hand.

I’m a photographer, creative, and voiceover artist. Over the last 30+ years, I’ve built a career helping others feel seen — through portraits, storytelling, and visual art. But after being let go from my job last summer, I’ve faced setback after setback while trying to rebuild.

I’m working part-time at Lowe’s while applying for better-paying, full-time roles. I’ve tried launching creative offerings like “pay-what-you-can” mini photo sessions and have been actively developing voiceover work and a podcast — but like so many in the arts, I’ve learned firsthand how difficult it is to grow creative work during an economic downturn.

Creative services are often the first to be cut when money is tight, and that’s made it incredibly difficult to find traction — even with experience, drive, and the willingness to pivot.

I’m currently living in a friend’s basement rent-free, which I’m deeply grateful for, but it’s not a long-term solution. I’m doing my best to stay afloat, but right now, I have about $150 to last me the next 12 days. Groceries, bills, and basic expenses are piling up, and I’m running out of options.

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This GoFundMe isn’t about asking for a way out — it’s about asking for a bridge.

With your help, I could cover the basics — food, gas, phone, utilities — and relieve enough pressure to keep applying for jobs and continuing to pursue work that can sustain me.

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Funds will go toward:

• Groceries and daily living expenses

• Utilities, phone, and internet

• Transportation to and from work and interviews

• ️ Maintaining the tools I need to apply for creative work (website, online platforms, gear)

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I’m doing everything I can to build a stable and meaningful future.

If you can give — thank you.

If you can share — thank you.

Even just reading this or sending a kind word means a lot.

Every bit helps — not just financially, but emotionally.

It reminds me I’m not alone.

With gratitude,

Michael Mussman