We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Malik Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Malik below.
Malik, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I remember the first time I made money from my art, after months of doing several free student films and short films I got booked for a Dr Pepper commercial. We filmed it in the middle of the summer heat in August at Fair Park in Dallas. The theme for the commercial was a football tailgate, imagine drinking dark soda on a hot Texas day in fall attire. It was brutal but the cast/crew were amazing, how any of them managed to actually drink that much soda on set is beyond me. I got tons of camera time and was picked for solo scenes in the commercial. It wasn’t much maybe $200 but being paid to do what I loved felt really liberating, if felt right. I had the exact same feeling when I received my first royalty check for my music (maybe $25, streams don’t pay much) and booked my first show. To be honest making money as a creative is no easy task, it’s rarely one large life changing check, in my case the money has come in a larger quantity and more frequently over the course of the past 6 years. The entertainment industry is often up and down so there have been moments where being a full time artist/creative is feasible for a few months and then a “regular” job is necessary. After years of trial and era I’ve finally found a balance and a path that I’m confident is feasible for me. Three things I wish I have learned from past mistakes are, saving as a creative is super important, reinvesting your money in your brand/career is important, and always double check the usage rights of a contract (the longer something is in circulation the more you should get paid).
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a singer-songwriter, producer, actor, & media personality from Ft. Worth. I auditioned for commercials as a kid, took tap dance, drum & piano lessons, and won a few talent searches. After a short stint at Howard University studying hospitality I came back to Texas and focused on my music and acting. I’ve worked on several film, tv, and commercial projects including The Pullout Game, Queen of The South, Cruel Summer along with commercial campaigns for QT & Dr Pepper. I wrote my first song at 13 years old and haven’t stopped since. Alongside songwriting I also produce. So far I’ve released 4 albums (Rated M, Technicolor, Sorry I’m Late, A New Day) that have garnered over 350k streams in 35+ countries and counting. I would describe my music as alternative RnB with a heavy emphasis on funk and electronic. The music I create fully relies on whatever mood I’m in when I enter the studio. I’ve recently expanded my brand into songwriting & producing for other artists and hosting. I host a podcast called The MalikWorld Podcast and have been growing my hosting resume.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I’ve had to force myself to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I have always been a person who believes in hard work followed by immediate results, as you can imagine the entertainment industry doesn’t work that way. No matter how many classes you take, how many auditions you go on, how much music you release, sometimes you fail, sometimes the song doesn’t do well, sometimes you don’t get a callback and that’s ok it doesn’t mean you’re not talented. I had to learn timing and perseverance are just as, if not more important than simply working hard. I had to unlearn putting a timeline on everything otherwise in this industry I would go crazy.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The best way to support artists is to invest in arts programs at every level. Music classes along with other art electives are just as important as core subjects, Reposting someones art on social media, telling your friends & family about them and engaging with their content is super important. Paying creatives fairly and keeping creative ecosystems open and truly diverse would be a major support for the artists community. Allowing artists to express themselves without censorship and judgment is key. Most importantly keeping an open mind and being willing to listen, watch, and absorb art the way it’s intended.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.malikjohnson.com
- Instagram: @officialmalikmusic
- Facebook: @officialmalikmusic
- Twitter: @the_malikshow
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDx4sBWcAV2qJjS2sNG9mdQ
- Other: TikTok: @officialmalikmusic Spotify Artist Profile: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EKYKp55uBrqGsDvEqbGfe?si=Xhty6PV4Tuq-_i4ADbOroQ
Image Credits
Yaasameen. The Content Brain