We recently connected with Tami Jo Urban and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tami Jo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
As a child (and adult) I spent a lot of time alone, introverted. I have always been drawing. It was never a question of being introduced or exposed to the arts. As soon as I picked up a crayon I never put it back down. I loved and did well in in school. I just knew I was going to be an artist. I received my undergraduate degree in Fine Art on a full academic scholarship. At Wayne State University in Detroit I went to the counselors office for the specific intent of tracking down a career in Medical Illustration. At the time the University of Michigan had an accredited program and the rest is history. In 1999 I received my Master of Fine Arts in Medical & Biological Illustration. Backtracking, at the age of 18 I underwent a tattoo apprenticeship and worked as a tattoo artist throughout and to the present.
Tami Jo, 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 am fortunate enough to have had 2 amazing mentors in my art career. For drawing and painting I had Mrs. Nancy Salvador and for tattooing I had Melvin Earl “Mel the Head” McElhiney. They were instrumental in rounding out my skillset and teaching me practical life application of creating. Before starting my own business I worked for such companies as General Motors, Campbell-Ewald and JGA. As a Creative Director in Commercial Art, I learned how to incorporate data and logistics into my design solutions.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Advances in technology both digitally and materially opened my eyes to new ways of doing things. As a small child in the 80s learning art from several independent artists, I stuck to the basics: pencil, charcoal, ink, colored pencils, etc. Now there are so many options and innovations that allow me to do so much more. Digitally, my camera, iPad and wholesale drop-ship printers help me bring affordable artwork into homes on various substrates and channels. My true love is creating by hand, and once I saw personal items and accessories being customized I dove into that. Give me your valuables and I will make them better! Sneakers and purses are my main interest, but anything and everything can and should be made to order. We are all unique, wear your brand.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I cannot stress this enough: support small business and independent artists. We rely on your patronage in order to survive and keep creating the art and media you enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tamijourban.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamijourban/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamijourban/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamijourban/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tamijourban
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tamijourban
- Other: https://theurbanmachine.com
Image Credits
Tami Jo Urban