Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Skuff Micksun. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Skuff, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I think, for most artists, the entire journey is a rollercoaster. I also think that’s true for the human race in general. I would say that I am happier than I’ve ever been with my art, my music and the creative process as a whole. I’ve been at it for a long time and it’s been the most consistent thing in my life. I’ve really learned so much about myself in the process and it’s allowed me to do some serious healing. For me, music and art have always been such a huge part of my life, even before anyone ever listened or showed interest. I’ve had a lot of “regular jobs” and I felt like I wasn’t using any of my actual skills. I’ve always been a hard worker and gave %100 at jobs but I rarely felt gratified or like I was doing anything of use besides doing busy work. I think defining myself just feels like the thing to do rather than letting a job define me. It’s definitely been a whole lot of sacrificing what most would call a “normal life” but that seems more than worth it to me. It keeps me excited and sure, there is a lot of uncertainty, but that’s part of the ride and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, truthfully. The answer is yes, I am happy. Sometimes it’s extremely difficult, like any job, stressful, sleep deprived, underpaid and overworked but I’m okay with that as long as I get to keep creating and connecting with people through my music and art.

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.

I’ve always done art and music to some capacity. Since I can remember, I would draw and write constantly. I didn’t get my first guitar until I was 13. That’s when the music started taking over. It wasn’t until recently that I found a good balance of being able to both make music and paint/create original artwork and bring it all full circle. I’ve pretty much made sure that almost every job I’ve ever had (muralist, tattoo artist, graphic designer, children’s art teacher, commercial and movie set construction as well as an art director) was based on if I could be creative or learn a valuable skill to take my art to the next level so, I really have kind of based my entire life around my need to create. I just want people to know that what they’re getting is genuine and authentic. Music has taken me all over as well as made me some of my greatest friends. I create as much as I possibly can and I love stoking that fire.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, it’s the special moments where you connect with someone in the crowd, or when I receive a message about how my music has helped somebody in some way. I know what music has done for me and it’s an insane thing to wrap my head around when someone tells me that MY music has done that for them. Sharing a really deep human experience is invaluable and I feel so lucky to be able to be here doing that with all these amazing people who give ME hope in humanity and the world as I see it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think it’s easier than ever to support an artists, even if you don’t have any money. You can very easily spread the word about artists you support by just sharing, liking, commenting. It really does help in a world where the algorithm seems to rule. I love making merch and original artwork to sell at shows and online but yeah, I mean, word of mouth is still my favorite and sharing music with friends is always free and fun.

Contact Info:

• Website: Skuffmicksun.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skuffmicksun/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkuffMicksun/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkuffMicksunArt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFA9LkZXLyO1JG2p58zxx5Q
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skuffmicksun?lang=en

Image Credits
Live shots by Kayla Kreller [email protected] Twitter: @blazingchakrams Instagram: @blazingchakrams Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blazingchakrams/ https://www.facebook.com/kkreller1 Website: https://www.blazingchakramsphotography.com/