We were lucky to catch up with Micah Atkinson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Micah, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with inspirations and heroes. Are there any historical figures you look up to?

Gene Kelly changed the way I saw myself as an artist. He was a prolific director, actor and choreographer in the 1950’s. Most people know him from Singin’ In the Rain, but they don’t realize how he evolved the movie industry…Before Gene, leading men only appeared on Hollywood screens in suits, ties and top hats. In musicals, men would tap dance and softly croon. However, Gene began to appear onscreen as sailors, pirates, tradesmen and clowns– and he would do it all with outrageous, lush costumes and experimental choreography in lavish musical numbers. As an artist, Gene expanded the boundaries of what leading men could do and be onscreen. I find that incredibly inspiring– as someone with a taste for extravagant performance and vibrant visuals.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a music video director, screenwriter, songwriter, filmmaker and content creator. I work mostly with independent artists and small businesses to create their visuals and online content. I love learning about other artists– what inspires them– and then helping bring their brand and vision to life.

I have been a filmmaker since I was able to hold a camera. Music videos have always been my passion. I love the spectacle, the energy and the movement.

When my artists come to me, it’s usually with an idea that they are afraid will be impossible. I take a lot of pride in the ability to make those ideas happen.

Writing is also important to me. I’ve spent most of the last few years behind a camera, but I plan on getting back behind the keyboard too.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I have made multiple goes at turning my side-hustle into a career. I started off just making music videos for fun. Then I started getting paid, then I started taking on more work. I’ve burned out twice, both of which left me feeling like a failure. But, as cliche as it sounds, thanks to those burnouts, I learned what NOT to do. Each time I got closer to success and, most importantly, SUSTAINABILITY. Now, on the third go around, I am applying everything I learned. Fingers crossed!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Word-of-mouth means everything in an online sphere that is so incredibly saturated; Especially in entertainment. No matter how much you spend on digital ads, it can easily feel like a drop in the ocean of content…I get most of my work via recommendations. And I’ve had quite a few random encounters that strangers that became clients. Find a way to drop your profession into every single conversation you have– with anyone. Be shameless. You never know whose best friend, cousin or roommate might need your services. I’ve picked up clients from restaurants, from the park, and even the xfinity store!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.micahatkinsonmv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahatkinsonmv/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI20yUewo_-y2rz2tpArLyw
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@micahatkinsonmv

Image Credits
Sam Angel, Rory White, and Ashleigh Newnes