Michele Lang
Bradenton, Florida
@songmuse

When and how did you first learn about Funko?
I discovered Funko when I came across a line of Disney Plush characters in 2012. I thought they were adorable and began looking for more Funko items for my collection.

Why are you a Funatic?
I fell in love with Funko products and surround myself with them. I really enjoy participating in Funko photo challenges and I'm always looking for new and interesting items to include in my photos. I have had wonderful experiences getting to know people in the Funko community and have made several friends.

What are your favorite fandoms and why?
My favorite fandom is Disney. I have always enjoyed their characters, movies and music. I have been lucky enough to experience the magic of Disney many times in my life. I have wonderful memories of the times I shared with my family and friends in the Disney parks and Disney will always hold a special place in my heart.

Why do you love pop culture?
I love pop culture because it is a blend of the old and the new. It is fun to remember things from the past and learn about what is currently trending. I think it means so much to adults because it brings back memories of happy times when they were younger. I think children are drawn to it because it represents what is popular now. Everyone is a fan of something and Funko has great products to help keep those memories alive for people of all ages.

How do you display your collection?
Initially I was an in-box collector, then I started doing Funko photos. Now I display some of my Pops! and figures out of box because I like creating scenes and dioramas. However, most of my collection are still in box to keep them safe and conserve space. I plan to add more bookcases so I can display more of my collection.

What movie/show/podcast/video game/music are you currently watching/playing/listening to?
For several years I studied music and I am a classically trained singer. I like many different styles of music including pop, rock and punk. Disney songs and movie soundtracks are a main feature of my playlist. I also enjoy some classical music, jazz and opera.

What's your favorite Funko memory?
My favorite Funko memory was when I won my first Funko photo challenge. I really enjoy participating in the Funko photo challenges and it is such honor to have my work featured. Tinker Bell is one of my favorite Disney characters and I was so excited when I opened the prize box to find a Tinker Bell prototype! She is the crown jewel of my collection.

What inspired you to start photographing your collection and sharing it on Instagram?
I have always enjoyed making crafts, creating collages and designing things. I started collecting more Funko items and saw there was a Funko photo challenge on Instagram. Now I try to participate in as many Funko photo challenges as I can. It is such a fun and creative way to bring the figures to life.

Do you have any tips or tricks for people who are just starting out photographing their collection?
Take pictures of things you are passionate about and make you happy. Think out of the box and try different things to challenge yourself. The most important thing is to keep the FUN in Funko.

How did you choose your Instagram handle?
I have been known as Songmuse for a while. The name is based on Euterpe, the muse of song and music. I love mythology and I think the muses are really interesting. I like how they represent different aspects of the arts and inspire creativity in others.

Do you collect any Funko lines besides Pop!?
Most of my collection is made up of Pops! but I have many items from other Funko lines including Rock Candy, Dorbz and Plushies. I am expanding my collection of Pint Size Heroes, 5 Star and Mystery Minis.

What was your first Funko piece in your collection?
My first official Funko piece was an Ariel Plush figure from 2012. My first Pop! was Nemo and my first Mystery Mini was Maleficent. The collection evolved from there and expanded to more than just Disney.

Is there anything you'd like to add?
Participating in the photo challenges helps me to be more creative and challenge myself to try new things. It is a lot of fun bringing the characters to life in a scene by creating backgrounds, props and even outfits for the figures. I'm honored to be part of such a creative and supportive group of people. The Funko community has become a primary reason I am a Funko fan.

Are You the NEXT Funatic of the Week?!

Share your Funko and pop culture stories and collectibles to Twitter and/or Instagram, using #FunaticOfTheWeek and #MyFunkoStory

More on our NEW Funatic 2.0: Better, Faster, Stronger, Fan-ner