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

Michael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

My first priority is to continue to expand my knowledge in photography and digital art. I started really focusing on my art and the many connections it has with other forms of creative expressions about 10 years ago. Since then my main goal has been to earn a living selling my artwork. I had opened an art gallery (Griffin Gallery NW) in 2021 to create an outlet to present and sell my work. I was moderately successful for about two years, but the building where my gallery was located is to begin a complete remodel starting in July of this year and is anticipated to last at least two years. I have since focused on online presentations and sales with the goal still being able to solely rely on my artwork to maintain my way of life and perhaps to exceed my standard of living,

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 was born in Chicago and raised in Southern California, I am a husband, father of two and a photographer and digital artist.

A main driving force in my desire to create is travel. It has been a huge influence in my creative life. The people, the places, and the myriad of differences between them, were intimately involved in my love affair with photography.

I go where the wind and fate take me, especially throughout the Pacific Northwest, always with an eye on unsuspecting moments that can be captured through my lens and brought to vivid life via digital means.

A huge influence on my style are color and texture. Both can convey a time, a place and a feeling. I have an overwhelming need to keep them as very close and personal friends of mine.

Along with the actual capture, I’m in my happy place when manipulating images using different textures, varying tones, filters and degrees of saturation and vibrance.

My introduction to the world of photography came about organically at a very young age. I’ve added digital editing and retouching to my workflow about 10 years ago.

Photography was an inherent and a natural fit for me. It ran in the family. My dad was a photographer for the Chicago Tribune in the 1970s and I have a brother who is also very adept with a camera.

What sets me apart from everyone else is my eye. Everyone has their own vision and their own eye, but no one sees things as I do. I believe I have a unique take on photograph composition and style that folks appreciate.

I am most proud of the feedback I get from customers. It is positive reinforcement and are always a welcomed recognition of my work. The main things I want them to know about my brand is that it’s coming from a place of love, honesty and directly from my imagination.
That at its core its authentic, heartfelt in its spirit and original in its foundation.

I invite you to share in the moments and the scenes that I have captured and frozen in time. My present collection is on mediums of metal, glass, canvas, acrylic and fine paper of varying textures.

I currently live in Poulsbo, Washington with my wife, Amy and my two children, Gracie and Gus.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My most rewarding aspect in being an artist is the opportunity to convey my thoughts and ideas without words. I find it very satisfying communicating on a non-verbal and subjective level with someone else.

Also the connection that is established between my work and the customer. When someone connects, personally, with something that came from my heart, It is instant gratification and confirmation, for me, that I have been successful in affecting folks on various levels. Also, they are willing to make an investment on something that could very possibly be with them for a very, very long time..

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

First and foremost, don’t cut art classes in schools. I believe it all starts as soon as a child is able to hold a crayon and continues forever after that. I think as a society it is our responsibility to nurture and provide opportunities for artists of all ages. We can do this by ensuring continued wide exposure to art in all its forms everywhere.

Not just in galleries and museums, but on mailboxes, on streets, street lamps, sides of buildings. Totally make it a common presence in our daily life. Philanthropic support of artist communities who are focused on education and hands on learning are very important. Providing space, place and the comfort to create should be a societal priority.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.griffingallerynw.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffingallerynw/

Image Credits
Michael Griffin Brittany Kelley