| Michael BenevilleEvery so often you come across one of those “special” people, and Michael is just that, and more. He’s a wonderful artist, a brilliant writer, wise beyond his years, and a gentle soul. We met years ago when I was designing a party for the Whitney Museum and needed some painting done. His work was impeccable, on time, and on budget. It was a pleasure to work with him, and at the time, I really had no idea who he was or how talented he was. Fast forward to almost three years ago when I hired Michael to document a party I designed for Oprah. I wanted to create a scrapbook to commemorate Oprah’s Legends Celebration honoring the most important living Black female legends of our time. A simple idea turned into a year-long project, and when the three red leather bound volumes with monogrammed white gloves for reading was finally presented to Oprah, the tears in her eyes made our efforts worthwhile. And so a new career was born; Michael has since documented several of Oprah’s milestone celebrations, and he also works with many of my clients doing the same. His commemorative books are truly extraordinary, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Michael has since designed commemorative gifts for some of my most important clients. It’s always a treat working with him. Over the years I’ve seen Michael grow as an artist and as a person. I feel honored to call him my friend.
Tips from Michael.
- Inspiration speaks in short sentences and at odd times. Be ready to record because it is a fleeting message. Capture your ideas on scraps of paper. Send yourself emails with IDEA in the subject line. Whatever it takes. Choose a spot to store all your ideas: a book, a drawer, or even better, a place, where they will be re-presented to you at a future date. Snap digital pictures of your musings and load them into your photo library as a screen saver. The one place I don't suggest you keep your ideas is in your head. Get them out in to the open so that they can take shape and begin the journey to fruition.
- Think Big before you think small. Let it all in, then get it out on the page in big bold strokes. Crazy ideas. " I plan to use real diamonds in this sculpture!" This is lift off. It gets you up and excited and engaged. It puts you far above the landscape where you can see all the "realistic" ideas below. Then glide. Let "reality" settle in as a useful tool that brings you back down to earth with a terrific and doable idea that was inspired by a grand view.
- Materials and Tools should be ready at all times so that when inspiration strikes you are ready to create. Make use of the best materials and tools that you can lay your hands on for the task at hand. This is essential. For example: not all brushes are created equal. You can't possibly achieve an elegant stroke that tapers from thick to thin with the brush that came in a kids water color set any more than you can prepare sushi with a dull table knife. Of course, don't confuse "the best" with "the most expensive." A pencil and paper are formidable tools in talented hands.
- Collaboration is an extraordinary way to add bandwidth to your creative abilities. Surround yourself with creative people. Whether you are working with a client, friend or family member, be positive, listen as much as you speak and be respectful of other people's creativity. You just might learn something. Above all, remove yourself from toxic creative environments and people who shoot down your ideas. There are six billion people in the world...choose wisely!
- Come from the Heart and Be Generous. This sounds cliché but it is actually a fundamental part of the creative process. Your work will be most meaningful when it is aligned with your values, principles, and what you genuinely find important. Find ways to give back and help others along the path of creativity. Creative generosity will open your eyes to boundless inspiration and possibility.
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