We recently connected with Michael Osborne and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I’m really happy and grateful to be an artist/creative. As someone who likes to work in many different mediums, I can say that I’m very fulfilled. I’ve had a few attempts at what some would call a regular job, but things never really worked out for me in that sphere. And I’m glad. I think, ultimately, you have to ride the waves and let them take you where you need to go. Whenever I let go of the idea of some mythic “stability” I find that new art opportunities shine through.
Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Well, let’s see…I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I’ve been an actor and filmmaker for most of my life and it was only in 2019 that I started drawing again (I used to draw as a kid but stopped at around the age of 12). I had been unemployed for about 6 months, alone at home, too broke to leave the house, when a voice in my head suggested that I draw a recent romantic encounter. And for some reason, I listened. I felt happy enough with the result so I posted it on Instagram and had an overwhelmingly positive response. From that point on I felt encouraged by people on social media to keep going and keep drawing to see what would come of it.
My primary focus is sharing moments of intimacy in LGBTQ+ relationships. I tend to straddle the line between erotic art and what I’d call romantic art, and that line seems to be the most interesting and fulfilling for me.
I also sell original pieces and I hope to have a solo show in the next year or so. I am available for commissions and have had some really exciting moments of growth from private buyers wanting pieces on a larger scale than I was previously used to.
I strive to be an active voice in my community and have been featured in publications like The City of L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs – Pride Month Calendar as well as showing with The Studio Door in San Diego, CA, and The Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival, which is where I sold my first pieces in 2019 and have been participating in every year since. This year we’ll be at the SOHO Warehouse in DTLA from October 7-8.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is forming a connection between people I meet and the work I get to make with them. It’s a deeply personal adventure getting to know someone in that intimate kind of setting, and sharing that experience through drawing keeps me going.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I think with social media it’s been an ever-changing landscape due to algorithms and such. I had to create a separate account for my artwork because the algorithms weren’t being too friendly with my queer art content and I started to get posts removed, flagged, etc.
Originally I built my audience by posting a new drawing every single day, for well over a year. That organic approach seemed to work very well for a long time and is essentially how I have been able to sell my work without the aid of a manager or gallerist. I think for creatives, it’s about posting your journey so you can allow people to find you and follow along with your progress. It’s also a form of community and thinking of it in terms of making actual connections with people and communicating with them is what keeps it personal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.misterosborne.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misterosborneart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MisterOsborneArt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelosborneii/