We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Saab. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.
Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to build a full-time career with Modern Gypsies Productions, but it wasn’t an overnight success by any means. My journey started with a deep love for performance art and a desire to create immersive experiences that bring people together. I started out taking whatever gigs I could get, often working side jobs to support myself while developing my skills and growing my network. Early on, I realized that if I wanted to make a living from this, I had to treat it as a business—something that isn’t always natural for creatives.
A major turning point came when I began focusing on the business side: building relationships with clients, pricing my work sustainably, and diversifying the types of events and services we offer. Instead of just performing, I started developing full experiences, complete with themes, costumes, and interactive elements that made events memorable and engaging. Modern Gypsies grew because we offer more than just entertainment; we create worlds that people can step into.
It took years of consistency, experimentation, and adaptability to get here. There were milestones, like our first major corporate event, the first multi-day festival, and then breaking into larger markets, which gave us the reputation and stability we needed. Looking back, I think the process could have been quicker if I’d recognized the importance of financial planning, marketing, and client communication earlier. Understanding that art and business can co-exist was a game-changer for me. I’d advise any creative to prioritize these aspects from the start—it can make the difference between pursuing your passion as a hobby and building a sustainable, rewarding career from it.
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’m Michael Saab, the creator of Modern Gypsies Productions, an immersive entertainment company that brings unique, interactive experiences to life. My journey into this world began with a passion for performance and visual storytelling. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from acrobatics to costuming and performance art, and ultimately, I found my calling in creating environments where audiences aren’t just watching a show—they’re part of it.
Modern Gypsies Productions specializes in imaginative performances and large-scale interactive installations that turn events into unforgettable experiences. From LED-lit puppets and giant bobble heads to dynamic LED dragons and surreal Bubble Boy acts, we create moments that engage people of all ages. Our clients range from corporate event organizers to private party hosts, festivals, and theatrical productions. Each client has a unique vision, and we tailor our work to fit their needs, adding elements like stilt walkers, aerial artists, and custom-designed characters to elevate the experience.
What sets Modern Gypsies apart is our commitment to immersion and detail. We don’t just put on a performance; we create a fully realized world that guests can step into, complete with costumes, props, music, and lighting that make the experience feel like a dream brought to life. We understand the importance of making people feel awe, joy, and curiosity, and we strive to create those moments with every performance.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Absolutely—there are several types of resources I wish I’d discovered earlier in my creative journey. One of the biggest game-changers would have been learning more about business and financial planning tools tailored to creatives. In the beginning, my focus was entirely on the art itself, but understanding cash flow, budgeting, and sustainable pricing is essential for building a career around creativity. Having tools to streamline finances and manage payments would have saved me a lot of time and energy.
I also wish I had connected with networking communities specifically for creatives and performers earlier on. Having a supportive network makes a huge difference, offering both accountability and insights from people who’ve faced similar challenges. Collaborating with other artists has been key to my growth, and finding these communities sooner would have opened up more opportunities.
Finally I wish I’d known about earlier is effective advertising and self-promotion techniques tailored for creatives. Learning how to showcase my work to the right audience could have helped me reach more clients and collaborators early on. Knowing how to leverage different platforms and develop a brand presence makes a huge difference in standing out and building a following. Understanding the basics of marketing strategy—how to highlight what makes my work unique and connect with audiences who value it—would have accelerated my growth and expanded opportunities in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the start.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation has been a combination of delivering consistently high-quality, unique performances and fostering strong relationships with clients. From the start, I focused on creating immersive experiences that went beyond standard entertainment, and I made sure that every detail—from costumes to interactions—added to that sense of magic and engagement. Each event is a chance to bring something memorable to life, and I believe clients see and appreciate that dedication.
Reliability and professionalism have also played a big role. Ensuring clear communication, being responsive, and following through on every promise have helped build trust, which naturally leads to referrals and repeat business. Word-of-mouth has been powerful in this industry, and I’ve found that clients are eager to recommend someone who brings both creativity and dependability to the table.
Additionally, showcasing my work has been key. I’ve put effort into building a portfolio that highlights the range and impact of my performances, making it easy for potential clients to understand what I bring to the table. By consistently delivering unique, memorable experiences and nurturing strong client relationships, I’ve been able to establish a solid reputation in the market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.modern-gypsies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderngypsies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelsaab
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moderngypsies/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ModernGypsies
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern-gypsies