We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mikel Elam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mikel , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I realized in high school that creating art was so exciting to me . In fact every aspect of the visual arts was thrilling to me . I went to a magnet public school. My major focus was learning commercial art . Design , illustration, printmaking. My teachers felt I should pursue going to college as a fine arts major because I had showed signs of being a good painter . I did not grow up in a house interested in art . My teachers and a few family friends were my mentors . They guided me in the right direction. It really does take a village.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I went to art school first in Philadelphia. I graduated with a degree in Painting/ Studio Arts . From there I moved to New York and began to study at School of the Visual Arts . I found out early on it was very expensive to live in New York City . I withdrew from school intending to return when I had better financial support.
I work at a lot of different jobs . My emphasis was to try and work in as many creative positions as possible. I felt it would be great opportunities to learn while working, make an income and perhaps these contacts would lead me somewhere.
The job which changed my life .
I became a personal assistant to jazz legend Miles Davis . I was hired to assist him traveling around the world for concert engagements as well as helping him to develop his interest in becoming a visual artist/painter . Eventually we collaborated on some works and projects . One of these collaborations lead me to my first art gallery in SoHo . Miles was so supportive of my desire to be a full time artist . He taught me about confidence and understanding my talent and how to market it He was a great mentor to me .
When Miles passed ; I had by that time some success in art . I was selling paintings and I also took illustration assignments. Most of my work as an illustrator was for editorial magazines.
My greatest assets in the field of art is my endless pool of creative ideas . Brainstorming on a specific theme is always exhilarating and I rise to the challenge .
Clients usually like my enthusiasm . I am open and personable which usually makes people feel relaxed and comfortable.
These days I am a full time studio artist. Most of the sales of my work is through galleries , exhibitions and sometimes directly through my studio.. I have been most fortunate and hugely grateful for the tremendous opportunities especially in the last 7 years ..

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As an artist of color ; I am especially sensitive to the lack of visual presence of Bipoc creatives in the business of fine arts . Actually in all of the art markets.
I made a conscious decision to make work which resonates with my journey in this life . To tell stories through the lens of my existence .

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives many times might not view artists as rational . We have tags associated with being bohemian, childlike , not rational. We chose a profession which outside of about 10’percent at best will not afford many an income to grow .
I didn’t choose art . Art chose me .
I realized I might not ever get rich or famous from it . It didn’t matter .. I love it . I think I have talent and even when I have worked other jobs for an income ; I always had my love nearby to balance out my life . It made me feel like a whole person.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mikel-elam.format.com
• Instagram: Mikelartist
• Facebook: Mikel Elsm
• Linkedin: Mikel Elam