We recently connected with Mike Habs and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Great question! I think the answer is different for everyone too, because I believe it becomes a matter of someone’s objectives, goals, and priorities .

Personally, it was just last year when I began working as an artist full time. This was after 10 years of painting, doing shows, and really building up experience over time….I consider having started the journey 10 years ago and then allowing it to grow & adapt along with me.

Despite recently making the full time leap, this was what worked best for me as it enabled me to really refine my skills, style, and prioritize the quality of work I strive to create and provide. I’m extremely thankful to all the people who supported me over the years and helped me bring my vision and work into reality. Prioritizing the quality I created for them helped me become more comfortable with the overall process.

Also hindsight is always 20/20! (laughs),,,but I feel for most, the time presents itself when it best suits – for a career or even just for creating. Everyone’s different, but understanding goals and priorities for any venture can hopefully help shape that timing and make the process conducive.

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 let’s introduce Mike a bit and give our readers some of background and context?

Mike Habs (b.1987) is a contemporary artist in Los Angeles, and his signature style of vibrant, abstract graffiti has continued to gain recognition in the modern art world.

Mike’s artwork has continued to evolve dramatically throughout the years. His approach incorporates an encrypted graffiti / calligraphy technique where both fine and street art elements become intertwined and juxtaposed. Each piece is named after a piece of counter cultural music, and brings the viewer into an endearing and inspirational experience of transcending adversity.

Originally from Chicago’s south side, Mike has been based in Los Angeles now for over a decade, where his work can be seen on display in homes, galleries, and even painted on buildings around the city. He has most recently been working with OGallery LA, will be featured in the “Mister Ampersand” show with Known Gallery, and is headed to Miami in December to display his work during Art Basel 2023.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The benefits of learning from, collaborating with, and helping others in your field can have substantial impacts on your outcome. Whether it be a new materials technique, streamlining a process, or seeing something from a different perspective, connecting with others in your industry who share similar goals expands your perspective, and grows the enthusiasm you both have for what you do.

For creatives in particular – working as an assistant or helping a friend complete a project – even if its in a field only similar to yours can be a great way to gain new insights to bring back to your studio.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Absolutely – I almost always have a documentary or podcast playing in the background while I’m working in the studio.

Shark Tank!!! A personal favorite TV show of mine. I love hearing all of the new ideas coming to life from so many different and talented entrepreneurs. Even though their business models are completely different, their challenges can often be very relatable, insightful, and I love seeing their enthusiasm for bringing their vision into the world.

For artists in particular I would also highly recommend a film from 2008 called “Beautiful Losers” – it’s a documentary about how select independent artists like Shepard Fairey and Harmony Korine built up their careers over the years, and told from the perspective of artists/creators.
When I was starting out, it really helped shape my perspective, start creating, and understand how important it is to take action and create with the people around you – no matter what stage of career you happen to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mikehabs.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_habs
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mikehabsart
• Other: Contact: [email protected]