We were lucky to catch up with Omar “Chilly-O” Mitchell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Omar “Chilly-O”, thanks for joining 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?

Chilly-O: Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living from my creative work. It wasn’t a straightforward path from day one; it took time, persistence, and evolution to reach this point.My journey began nearly two decades ago in Atlanta, where I immersed myself in various creative, bike, and entertainment circles.

My consistent presence and contributions to these communities laid a strong foundation. Early on, I realized the importance of adaptability and evolution. This mindset allowed me to stay relevant and inspire those around me.

One of the key milestones was the launch of my self-titled clothing line, “Chilly-O.” This venture combined fine art aesthetics with street refinement, capturing the essence of Atlanta’s vibrant culture. The brand’s success wasn’t immediate, but my dedication to quality and innovation gradually built a loyal following.Photography also played a significant role in my career. My work as a photographer opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations, enhancing my visibility and reputation in the creative scene. I also dedicated time to mentoring young creatives, helping them transition from street corners to self-sufficient careers. This not only enriched my own experience but also built a supportive community around me.Collaborating with Brunner ad agency was another pivotal moment. By helping them build strong relationships with their blue-chip clients, I learned valuable lessons in trust and partnership. This experience broadened my understanding of the business side of creativity.Receiving the Invest Atlanta and Mayor of Atlanta Creative Industries grant award was a significant recognition of my efforts. This support enabled me to scale my projects and reach a wider audience.Looking back, the journey was a mix of creative passion, strategic collaborations, and community building.

If I could have sped up the process, I would have focused more on networking and building relationships earlier on. Understanding the business aspects and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals could have also accelerated my progress.Overall, my journey has been about staying true to my creative vision while continuously evolving and adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

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.

For those who may not know me, I have earned the title ‘Legend’ in my city due to my countless hours of service towards the innovation and progression of my community. This journey has been far from easy, as convincing people to embrace trends and technologies that shape the identity of the city is a formidable task. Individuals like myself are often perceived as eccentric or unconventional because we don’t adhere to safe artistic trends. Whether it’s introducing new fashion trends or participating in underground parties to connect with other artists, the overarching sentiment is that we refuse to be mediocre or mundane in our contributions to society.

To break through the glass ceiling, one must not be fearful, and that sometimes comes at a cost. This might mean losing work or being ostracized by those who prefer not to disrupt the status quo. However, the rewards far outweigh these challenges.

One of my proudest moments is knowing that my children understand that my career is not traditional and that finding solutions is part of everyday life in the pursuit of success. They have learned that if you have a dream, it is achievable, no matter how obscure it may seem or how misunderstood it is by the masses.

I want people to know that my legacy as an established artist is woven into the fabric of history. I aspire for my name to endure even after I am no longer present in this world. This is because I have poured immense amounts of love and creativity into shaping people’s minds, fostering hope and inspiration. My contributions have always been driven by a desire to leave a lasting impact, to offer something profound and transformative to society.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

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Society must recognize that the presence of artists is crucial for innovation, beautification, and the creation of positivity through proactive thought. Artists should not be marginalized simply because their work doesn’t conform to mainstream, mass-produced norms.

The most effective and straightforward way to support creatives is by purchasing their ideas and products. Adding unique art pieces to your home or wardrobe can create engaging conversations and enrich your environment.

With the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s almost certain that many jobs will be replaced. This raises the question: where does the modern artist fit within these challenges? Supporting artists has become more important than ever because they disrupt the ordinary and inject excitement and fantasy into our daily lives, breaking the monotony of the everyday rat race.

To truly support artists, hire them, buy their works, and include them in conversations about major developments. Introduce the youth to their philosophies, ensuring that the importance of creativity and artistic expression continues to thrive in our society.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I learned from my predecessors like Samo Albert Diaz and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I aspire to achieve greatness like them while staying true to my roots in hip hop dance, action sports, design, and streetwear.

I don’t want to be a limited or pigeonholed artist. I aim to manifest opportunities that challenge me and bring great success, all while serving humanity. I want to be great so that people feel cool and accepted, inspiring them to embrace their individuality and creativity.

Frida Kahlo, who shares my birthday, once said, “I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.” This mantra is crucial for supporting artists today. Creating art offers freedom, a freeing of the mind that is essential for personal and societal growth. It allows us to explore and express our deepest thoughts and emotions, fostering a sense of liberation and innovation. Supporting this freedom is vital because it leads to a more vibrant, imaginative, and empathetic world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chilly-o.com
• Instagram: @chillyolovesyou

Image Credits

Omar Mitchell