Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikey Desjardins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Mikey Desjardins. I picked up a camera when I was 12 years old, not because anyone told me to, but because I had a story to tell — mine, and eventually everyone else’s. I grew up in a small beach town called Carpinteria, 2 hours north of Los Angeles, with a population of only 10,000 People. Bouncing between fields where I’d shoot youth football, neighborhood games, and whatever moments felt too good to forget. I didn’t wait for permission — I just kept shooting.
By high school, I was already freelancing. I’d carry my camera around at school, film during the day, edit at night— always chasing the feeling of capturing something real. Through my high school career after school I would drive to Los Angeles using my mother’s car because I knew I had bigger dreams than the small town opportunities. I always knew this town was too small for all the dreams held inside my head. Eventually, I moved to Los Angeles to take this vision further, and I’ve been on go ever since. I’ve had the chance to shoot for major brands like Adidas, Crocs, Ethika, work with Pro Athletes, Music Artists, College programs like USC and Colorado, and even tell stories on the NFL Draft stage for Jaxson Dart . But none of that changes the mission: make it feel honest, keep it creative, and let the visuals speak louder than the words.
Shotbymikey isn’t just a name — it’s a stamp. A promise that I’ll keep showing up, camera in hand, telling stories that matter, whether it’s under the lights or behind the scenes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not even close — but I wouldn’t want it any other way. The journey has been full of late nights, long drives, missed meals, and a lot of work that never got seen. you’re going to hit walls. I’ve dealt with clients ghosting payments, equipment failing mid-shoot, showing up to gigs not knowing if I’d even get a credential. I’ve slept in my car, edited on hotel floors, and despite the inconveniences I still believed in myself and kept it pushing.
There were times I felt overlooked — like I had the vision but not the access. But that taught me how to move with patience and persistence. I learned to treat every shoot like it was for the biggest client in the world, even if it was just for a local high school kid trying to get noticed.
Every setback sharpened my craft. Every ‘no’ pushed me to get better. And through it all, I kept telling myself: just keep showing up. That’s the difference.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a creative director, photographer, and filmmaker who specializes in storytelling through sports, lifestyle, and culture. I run a personal brand Shotbymikey, a creative brand built on capturing raw, honest moments — the kind of content that feels real, not forced. From athlete commitment videos to behind-the-scenes documentaries, brand campaigns, and team travel series, everything I shoot is rooted in emotion and authenticity.
I’ve worked with major brands like Adidas, Crocs, Ethika, Overtime, Lovesac, and partnered with college programs like USC, UCLA, and Colorado. My journey has taken me from local high school sidelines all the way to the NFL Draft with Jaxson Dart — documenting athletes’ stories before the world even knows their names.
One of the things I’m most proud of is what I’ve built with Trillion Boys — a competitive 7-on-7 football program that goes way beyond the game. We’re not just developing athletes; we’re creating a brotherhood, a platform, and a lifestyle. I also get to integrate mentoring young creatives, bringing them on real projects and giving them opportunities I wish I had when I started.
What sets me apart is the way I move: with intention, with feeling, and always with the bigger picture in mind. I’m not chasing trends — I’m building culture. Whether it’s a four-second TikTok or a full-length visual doc, my goal is always to make people feel something. That’s what Shotbymikey stands for.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my vision is bigger than just me — it’s about the people I care for and the communities I’m connected to. First and foremost, I want to take care of my family. They’ve been behind me since day one, and everything I’m building is rooted in giving back to them — whether that’s providing financial stability, creating generational opportunities, or simply being present when it matters most.
With Trillion Boys, we’re not slowing down. We have our official documentary dropping in October 2025, and I see this as just the start. We are continuing to grow the program on/off the field— more mentorship, more travel, more storytelling, and more ways to inspire kids to dream bigger than they ever thought possible.
On a personal level, I want to build a strong community of creatives — people I can grow with, learn from, and elevate alongside. And I want to go back to my high school, step into those classrooms, and either teach or host career days to show the next generation what’s possible when you believe in your vision and put in the work.
This next chapter isn’t just about success — it’s about impact, legacy, and making sure the doors I walk through stay open for the ones coming after me.
