Miko Brepols focuses on the big picture

Miko (23) is one of eight participants in Life Cipher, an initiative by SCHUNCK Museum and Kool Cult.

This year-long program, created by Kool Cult and SCHUNCK Museum, supports talented young people from Heerlen in kickstarting their professional careers in disciplines like breakdance, street art, and street fashion. Miko is not only a participant but also responsible for creating portraits of his fellow participants. However, for this article, the lens turned toward him — a challenge he reluctantly admitted was more difficult for him.

From Studies to Personal Style

In addition to being a photographer, Miko is an avid skateboarder, designer, and organizer of skate events in the region. He also lends a hand at the Loose Ankles skate shop, where he finds daily inspiration. Still, photography remains his true passion.

To learn the craft, Miko pursued a photography program and taught himself much along the way. “My interest in photography grew after my studies because I started doing more research and discovering my sources of inspiration,” he explains. One of those inspirations is American studio photographer Jack Bridgland. He also admires the work of Dutch photographers like Lowie, known as a photographer for 101Barz.

After completing his photography training, Miko tried studying media design but quickly realized it wasn’t for him, as it felt too much like a traditional office job. Still, it led to something valuable: during a school project, he designed a T-shirt that received positive feedback. This eventually evolved into his own clothing brand. “It’s mostly something I enjoy doing, but it’s not something I’d want to make a living from,” he says.

Seeking Balance

Miko wants to focus entirely on photography, but making a living as a full-time photographer remains a challenge. “Finding assignments is difficult, especially if you don’t want to accept just anything. I have a specific style in mind that I want to stick to,” he explains. Through Life Cipher, he’s learning how to better manage the business side of his work. “I’m working hard on developing my own style and finding the right clients. It helps to be selective and to seek assignments that truly fit me.”

His ideal projects are creative portraits — “not stiff or corporate” — and reportage work, such as festivals and concerts. Social media plays an important role in this process. “When I share more on Instagram, assignments start to come in immediately. So it’s something I need to do more consistently. But I only want to post work that truly aligns with me."

The Importance of Connections

Through Life Cipher, Miko has realized how vital connections are. “You could have the best portfolio in the world, but if no one knows you, you won’t get far,” he says. The collaboration with other participants has been especially valuable. “Everyone does their own thing, but we support each other. For example, if I need a videographer, I’ll ask Noah. And if he needs a photographer, he knows where to find me. This way, we all make the most of our talents.”

Miko is also building his network outside the Life Cipher crew. Places like Backrooms in Heerlen provide an informal environment where he feels at home. “You can network there in a relaxed way. During an informal dinner organized by Kool Cult, I met some people from the city. It worked much better than if I had gone to a business club — I’d feel too intimidated to walk into one of those,” he laughs. “Although, maybe I should try it sometime.”

Heerlen as a Creative Hub

Heerlen plays a significant role in Miko’s development. “I really feel at home here. People often complain about what’s wrong, but there’s so much happening. We’ve got big events like IBE, but also lots of smaller initiatives. Take Output, for example — I once exhibited there. It’s basically a meeting place where you can develop yourself. You can learn screen printing or use the studio. It’s places like these where you make valuable connections.”

Still, he sees room for improvement, particularly in education. “Entrepreneurship could have gotten more attention in my program. In the end, I had to figure practically everything out on my own. I think an ideal program would balance creativity and entrepreneurship. Otherwise, you enter the working world and still don’t know a lot.” He pauses. “From my entire class, I think only one other person is actually working as a photographer now. Such a waste, don’t you think?”

Growing and Inspiring

Within Life Cipher, Miko is using his development budget to refine his photography skills. He wants to dive deeper into working with light. “I’d love to attend a workshop with a photographer like Jack Bridgland, maybe even abroad. New York would be amazing, especially to combine studio and street photography.”

He also finds inspiration in the work of others. “In early November, we visited the Andy Warhol exhibition with Life Cipher. It was cool to see a different side of his work — it really sparked my creativity.”

Future Plans

Miko dreams of one day photographing for Thrasher Magazine, the ultimate magazine for skaters. For now, he’s focusing on developing his craft and finding a balance between art and commerce. “I want to create personal work and sell prints, but I also need to stay realistic. So I’m not afraid of commercial projects, as long as I can show my style in every shoot. That’s something you don’t learn in school either.”

With his participation in Life Cipher and his growing network, Miko is well on his way. “I always want to keep creating. Quitting photography isn’t an option for me,” he says with a smile. “I don’t have a Plan B.”