We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mike Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

Technically my first dollar earned as a creative came before I chose to do art for a living. I was still in college at the University of Cincinnati, and people started coming to me for tattoo designs. Not the tattoo itself..design only. I can’t remember the first person to do so, but I do remember someone from out of state mailing me $35 cash for a design early on (2008), and that definitely made a lightbulb go off in my head. Fast forward about a year later I dropped out of college and began my apprenticeship to pursue my career as a tattooer.

Mike, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The previous answer explains how I got into the tattoo industry, but I didn’t start painting until about 5 years after that, around 2013. I picked up painting after noticing most of the tattooers I looked up to in the industry were master painters. I figured the two must go hand in hand. Not to mention, I had to remind myself I’m an artist, not just a tattooer. I dabbled in a few different mediums just to push and test my artistry but painting with acrylics is what I took to the most. I think my originality and willingness to experiment is what sets me apart from most. Also, I have a very unconventional way of thinking and I think that translates into my art. I’m most proud of what I’ve been able to achieve independently. After 13 years of tattooing and 10 years of painting, I now own my own tattoo studio/art gallery in one of the most thriving areas in Cleveland. I’ve gained recognition throughout the city and now looking to expand across the globe. My work has been collected by a few notable athletes and avid art collectors with no assistance from outside galleries. I believe I’ve been able to be successful because of the amount of work/time and care that I’m willing to put into everything that I do. It’s shows and people can feel it. I’ll always give my all.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Completing your work and it being truly appreciated.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

At the time when I decided to take this career path, I felt no one believed in me. I was actually told by a few people it wouldn’t work, or I’d fail. I felt very alone in the beginning, but the support began to quickly build because of my resilience and faith.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mikexart