Today we’d like to introduce you to Miles Davis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After relocating to Atlanta in early 2004 to pursue artistic ambitions, Massive Burn Studios was launched in 2005 with my wife, Merissa, to expose collectors to my pop surrealistic paintings. My work caters to deep thinkers typically interested in figurative work dealing with human spirituality and science. The work sold, but sales were slow and steady over the next 3 years, allowing for our business acumen to grow and adapt.
Then, in 2008, gold-selling recording artist, Sevendust, hired Massive Burn to design their album cover and album packaging. We stepped up to the challenge and were able to garner a larger enthusiastic following through the release. Massive Burn was then hired by other rock groups to design and illustrate their album covers, increasing our fanbase even further. Never idle, we quickly invested in other venues to showcase Massive Burn paintings in their original state and found continued success, particularly in the Castleberry Hills district. As fate would have it, in 2012, a study painting I played around with gave birth to a cartoon puppy with butterfly wings, which would later become the inspiration for our picture book series, Butterpup and Friends.
In 2017 we had our first 4 Butterpup books published through a small publisher and have since had other picture book contracts amidst continuing painting in the Massive Burn Studio. The two businesses have vastly different aesthetics and goals, which I really appreciate. Flexing two different creative muscles and experiencing the business side of the two distinct endeavors is very fulfilling. I continue to enjoy the journey and look forward to seeing where the businesses will take us next as we continually look for focused opportunities to enrich our clients lives along with our own.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not. Being a fine artist with no business experience and struggling to pay bills and rent at times, a certain tenacity, focus, and sometimes delusional belief had to be implemented to endure. We had to do what it takes to first survive and stabilize, then start slowly focusing on growth strategies. When you’re living off of noodles, it can be hard to reinvest what little profit you have coming in back into the business.
It took years and still requires a sharp eye and trusting our instincts. I think sometimes it’s hard for young entrepreneurs to swallow their pride and admit something isn’t working. I still struggle to adapt at times, but I also think sometimes ideas might take a while to catch on. You can’t give up at the first few signs of adversity.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Well, as discussed earlier, my wife and I have multiple businesses that have spawned from a fine art/design studio and a children’s picture book brand. Each company has and will continue to have its challenges and successes. I look at failures as lessons and thoroughly enjoy the creative endeavors and projects we choose to be a part of.
We specialize in contemporary “POP SURREALISM” paintings and the business around those images… such as licensing, album covers, design, etc. The picture book children’s brand is a character brand centered around a cast of characters aimed at promoting outdoor imaginative play in young children. The books were only published in mid-2017 and we’re about 2 years into a 10-year plan. We just returned from Las Vegas for Licensing Expo and really learned a lot about the current industry.
What sets us apart is not only our individual creativity (being in a creative field) but also our ability to focus our creativity professionally with a strong business sense. That means understanding each project will have its own needs and goals and the execution of our creativity should always be towards the project’s successful end. Many creatives, I’m told, can be difficult. On the other hand, I also understand our creative originality is what makes us unique and our work valuable. To get what we offer, you must come to us.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
That’s a tough question. The art scene is tough no matter where you are. It’s a lifestyle. I have been fortunate to find some success in the Atlanta area. Could we have found more success somewhere else? That’s speculation. I believe that someone can find success anywhere if you keep your heart, mind, and eyes open……. and DO THE WORK! If it’s not working after a while, adjust accordingly. Sometimes, that may mean relocating. I love Atlanta and it has become my home over the last 14 years. When I show in other areas or promote my work in other cities, I’m proud to call Atlanta home. Atlanta has embraced me and I try my best to represent Atlanta.
However, I do think the Atlanta art scene could be stronger. There are many talented artists here and the collector base is here. Finding the right avenue to connect those artists and collectors with similar tastes can be difficult. I do feel some galleries and museums are scared of taking risks, though I have to understand they are running a business that needs to make money. So aside from that, any artist should learn the business side of things as best they can so they better position themselves for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.massiveburn.com and www.butterpupandfriends.com
- Email: contact@massiveburnstudios.com
- Instagram: @massiveburn
- Facebook: facebook.com/massiveburn
- Twitter: massiveburn
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
