Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Phillips. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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 have been able to earn a full-time living! I am now my own boss. I own my own piercing studio called “Piercer Mike’s”. It has not been the easiest journey, but a very educational and somewhat fun one.
It started in Lafayette, IN at a shop called Operation Ink. I learned under Daniel Mills.
From there, I traveled a lot trying to find a home for my career and somewhere I felt comfortable. It definitely had its ups and downs. I’ve been at the very bottom. Homeless, only making $30 a week. Those were rough times. I never gave up on piercing though and never will. I’m glad too, because now I own my own spot and I would have to say that I am doing pretty good. I have a very steady clientele, I’m very happy with my work, and enjoy everyday I’m in the shop. I’m living my dream job.

Michael, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always wanted to be a professional body piercer for as long as I can remember. My parents weren’t huge on piercings so I had to wait until I was 18 to get my first. It was over after that, I was obsessed. They are very supportive now though. I started hanging out at shops a lot getting to know as many artist as I could. Finally I met Daniel, he took me in with open arms. My apprenticeship was a classic piercing apprenticeship. I showed up everyday, cleaned, ran errands, observed my mentor working. After a few months my mentor allowed me to start working on friends and family. I had to do two of every basic piercing to be qualified to work on normal clients. After a few months of that my mentor told me I was a natural and pretty much cut loose to work on regular clients, but under an apprentice title. After my apprenticeship was over I decided it was time to find something new. I traveled a lot. I worked in places like Austin, TX., Council Bluffs, IA., all over Indiana, Arlington, TX., I’ve pierced in Louisiana, and all over Fort Worth. You could say I’ve gotten around.
I do mostly piercings, play piercings, sell body jewelry, and dabble in body Modification. I use mostly titanium, niobium, 14kt gold , and 18kt gold. All internally threaded and Threadless jewelry. I have been piercing for about 16 years give or take and I am now published in multiple magazines, sponsored by a company called Blackwork Supply (which I am very grateful to be a part of.), on the Steriwash proteam, and own my own successful piercing studio.
I do every piercing out there besides the ones that are not safe due to anatomy and/placement. I do have a list of piercings I will not do, such as horizontal tongues, eyelids, ankles, and hands for example.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When it comes to social media, it’s all about staying consistent and using everything given to your advantage. They only way people will find you on social media is if you are posting and putting yourself out there. Post multiple times a day, but don’t flood the internet. You don’t want to over do it, that will just annoy people. Tagging is a huge deal. Tag people, and products. In my case I always tag my sponsor, the jewelry companies, needle companies, and anyone else that might be involved in some way. Also, sharing other fellow artists and business as well. It’s called networking. Working with your neighbors and supporting their business. You share their stuff and they share yours. Spread the word. This is the same as word of mouth, it’s just evolved into social media.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing to me is the freedom, and doing what I love. I could not see myself doing anything else. I get to make people smile and feel good about themselves. I do the same for myself. Everyday I wake up knowing I get to live my dream and there is nothing better than that in my opinion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/piercer_mike
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piercer_mike
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Piercer.Mike
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Piercer_Mike
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/6UZQsH3aTub
• Other: TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8qmBowa/