Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Mcintosh
Hi Michael , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Michael John McIntosh and I’m an NYC Native, a Motion Designer, Art Director, Editor, Compression Engineer & Artist with over 10+ years of experience working with brands like The NBA, Apple, Netflix, BBC, Spectrum,
BET, Disney, etc.
When I first told my Grandparents that I wanted to be an Artist, my Granddad told me “Back People Don’t Do Art!” This bold statement sent me on a path of self discovery and truly defined my outlook on The Arts and how I would go about finding my place in the Arts. I would go on to attend The School of Visual Arts in New York where I majored in Graphic Design and motion Graphics. Upon graduating I would start working at BET Networks. In the following decade I would go on to work in creative capacities with Disney, Apple, Spectrum, BBC and The NBA.
My passion for painting has only grown as well, I have written and performed a TED Talk, attended Arts residencies
and have exhibited my work in galleries throughout NYC.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Choosing a path in the arts as a Black man has had its obstacles, certainly. Being assumed to be stealing art when in corporate spaces, being followed in art stores, being subject to cultural bias when your work is viewed, the list goes on and on. I remember having my work be called “urban” may times in college, with no substantial explanation besides
the fact that I’m Black.
Some struggles along the way have been finding community. While I did attend art school, I majored in design. Putting me amidst many talented creatives, but no Artists. At the same time, sourcing feedback for my work has been challenging, while many will compliment my art, I have found it difficult to find a true critique, in the interest of growing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I first told my Grandparents that I decided to go to Art School, my Grandfather told me “Black People don’t do Art!!” This statement became the basis of my understanding of and relationship with the Arts, & my place in the Arts. Years later, I would find myself on a mission to a.) contribute to the establishing of a societal arts literacy, that acknowledges the contributions of people of African descent, ignites more consistent patronage of the Arts and respects the Artist role in society as equal to that of an Athlete, musician, major Political figure or Celebrity b.) contribute to creating inroads to the arts for people of color, in the interest of all Artists being utilized to produce solutions for global issues whilst helping shape our species future, and being recognized for said contributions in real time c.) Society utilizing the Arts as a tool, to make the world better for us all.
Notions of spirituality, nature, space, African/world culture are both illuminated & made contemporary via my “Root-surrealism” style, an approach that employs properties from African history & culture in the interest of archiving/ contemporizing our narrative. Much of American culture- which becomes culture the world-over, is a product of African American people. In the current state- society doesn’t value contributions to the Arts in general- much less Black contributions to the Arts, at the same rate as society rewards, compensates & celebrates Socialites, Athletes & Musicians. This is a result of a lack of societal-wide literacy & patronage of the Arts and how we utilize the by-products of the Arts, like the Airplane today.
A whimsical world, devoid of gravity, is rendered through the use of vibrant colors & figures that are constantly in motion. For so long, African American Art and culture has depicted African Americans in a state of stress. The elimination of gravity is a means to communicate that Black people can fly. We do not always have to be bound by someone else’s version of a fraction of a very long history. Using streetwear and pop culture as a tether to further connect narratives of the global African diaspora to the present, the main interest of my work is to reintroduce the human being to there spiritual selves as well as remind us all of our forgotten customs and culture, all in an effort to produce culturally reflective solutions and innovations/inventions for modern day societal woes.
When starting my practice, my aim was to make odd works that demonstrated my ability to draw and paint. Upon educating myself on the role of the arts historically and the African American relationship to the arts ( or lack thereof ), my goals shifted. Now the goal of my work(s) is to: a.) encapsulate African culture and spirituality in my art b.) further societal arts literacy via arts advocacy c.) ultimately validate the arts and Artists as creatives that are well equipped to contribute to a world with an array of issues. When I first told my Grandparents that I decided to go to Art School, my Grandfather told me “Black People don’t do Art!!” – because he had never seen an example of excellence in the arts that looks like him.
Throughout my career, I have found that what makes me different from my peers is my ability to articulate an idea an execution in more ways than the visual medium. I can speak, and speak confidently and clearly about a concept. Many Artists lean so heavily on being able to visualize an idea, however most people are not visual thinkers. The true test of the quality of an idea is if it can be articulated visually as well as with words. I can do both on a very high level. I am also deeply experienced in may different areas of industry, bringing an artful approach to each field, be it broadcast, sports and live entertainment, streaming, advertising or motion graphics.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising about me Id say is probably my commitment to fitness. I swim and lift several times a week.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaeljmcintosh.com
- Instagram: @Johninthemiddle
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljmcintosh1/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JOHN_HOBBS
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Johninthemiddle
- Other: https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_john_mcintosh_reshaping_the_landscape_of_the_arts
Image Credits
All paintings created by Michael John McIntosh.
