We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mykhael -Ferris Harland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mykhael -Ferris, appreciate you joining us 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?
When i first started tattooing, almost 9-10 years ago. I was always asked is this all i do for work. Or do i do other things? To me it was preposterous! How dare you ask me, a business owner is this all i do? I must make penny’s (i did and i also sucked) lol but what i didnt know .is that’s exactly how the workforce now is for creatives.! With the rise in economic living and cost we mostly depend on side jobs to make it throughout !
Social media has also hindered but helped us in ways to. Its so easy to grab your phone, find a spot. Look up its reviews check the atmosphere the people etc and that may be well and good for the customer..think about the time that business owner or artist now has to invest in, just to get your attention. The avergae artist now has to be an actor, producer, writer, choreographer all just to get views and likes on there art and other creative aspects..
Theres two ways to look at this . You can either fall wayside and stay in your ways and hope that staying true will benefit you and your business or you can adapt. Relearn. Refocus and reinvent your self and future. Learn that new craft. Buy that new brush. Read that informative book. In my business its not about tattooing the same people forever its about tattooing there grandchildren. Love what you do , and it will love you unconditionally. Always water what waters you. Creatives were meant to create. In every form and aspect. Create new ideas, new ways , new forms. Hone your gift ,use your gift and then share it ! In this world of today. Creatives will always prevail because everyone wants something new ! Its just up to you to create
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Im a 35 year old artist and business owner located in buffalo ny. I own and operate The Bontinental Tattoo Parlor. Which is the first john wick themed tattoo shop in nys and is also black owned and staffed . We provide custom tattoos and piercings and specialize in art for darker skin tones. When i first wanted to get into tattooing it was a stigma among black artists wanting to get in the field ( which i found kind of off-putting considering tattooing is an african / Native art form) but i stuck to my guns. I searched for apprenticeships or anyone willing to teach me or help. After calling a hundreds of people, going to there shops and being rejected. One guy finally gave me a chance…then he got deported lol i still prevailed with discipline and focus. And made it to where i am now with nothing but drive and passion. I drew everyday and i still do. One thing that never stops is learning. Always be willing.
As far as art. I specialize in Acrylic paint and my collection of work is fully focused on movie genres , black films and African american voices. Im asked all the times for commissions, though fiancially rewarding. That’s not my type of art. I paint art that moves me. Art that motivates me. So when i sell a piece of art. Its us sharing a connecting moment. I enjoy knowing that a memory of a film brings back a nostalgia for my customer as it does for me. And to me that’s art. When you view my pieces i want you feel that black culture that was so prevailed in the 90s .my mother always said good styles come back. And im booked and busy. So i guess the old lady was right
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Fans..there the most important. People are to proud to be fans now..im a fan of art.of music of motivators! Anybody that gets up and does something creative. Im a fan of ! Appreciate your fans but also never forget to be one. We need each other
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I once worked in a shop that I literally did everything. Opened closed. Booked appts. Cleaned. Prepared set up. Decorated. Advertising. Etc and was paid out like a regular artist or even lead artist…It was an eye opening experience. One that i truly dont regret. It was time. Time for me to take a risk. With no risk theres no reward. I realized these clients were coming to see me .for my art. For my work and i owe it to them to not be stressed or aggravated at my situation or life. So within two weeks. I formed an llc. Opened a business.gathered a small staff and in a few months i will have been in business over 3 years
Contact Info:
- Website: Thebontinentalllc.com
- Instagram: @InkByFerrisB
- Facebook: Mykhael Harland
Image Credits
Ahrie Photography