Meet Mic’a Ward | Visual Arts Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mic’a Sahara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mic’a, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Becoming an Artist was a huge risk in itself. Being born with a talent like creativity meant that I had to try almost everything to see what I’m the best at. Even with choosing to continue school, our society constantly warns us that studying art still won’t make us enough income, yet we still take the risk. And now as an Agent to all of the Artists that I represent, I have to take even more chances to create bigger opportunities for my business. Before starting my agency, I knew I had to master being a freelancer at my own craft… that is what builds the trust between my Artists and myself. I had to learn how to properly represent and protect myself as a professional. While transitioning from my solo freelance work to being an Agent to other freelancers, I understood that the drive I had for myself had to be overextended to now help others. To be freelance at anything you have to have the willpower to succeed and all of your growth is up to you! So as I focus on the growth of my business, it also means that I am helping the overall growth of those I partner with and that means a lot to me. My whole life as an Artist and now career as an Agent wouldn’t be what it is today had I not become comfortable taking everyday risks.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Any artwork that I make is always therapeutic for me, I feel so in tune with my spirituality when I create. I’m proud of the journey I’m on and how I constantly surprise myself with the gift that God has blessed me with. As a Visual Artist, I’ve taken the opportunity of exploring the many mediums of Fine Art and I quickly grew to learn my strength as a traditional painter. Becoming a muralist was so unexpected for me, especially because I had never even drawn on walls as a kid. I’d say choosing to promote myself as a muralist definitely stemmed from not having the space to make my own art collections. I figured if I didn’t have the space to make the work I wanted to, I could simply create for commissioners by doing artwork onsite and leaving all the materials necessary to perform right at the location it will live in. Everything fell into place once I overcame that obstacle and now I do have my own space to create plus a career, so it all worked out perfectly. I credit being an interior muralist to my interest in interior design and I love that I get to partner with home owners and local facilities to advance their space with my original artwork. As of today, I have 3 years experience as a professional Artist and I now know my full capabilities. Everyday I’m excited for the new opportunities that are coming my way!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A day in the city with me would be very simple. I like to think that I’m the perfect partner for a museum date… being that I’ve studied art, I actually know what art is all about and so I can make the experience more impactful. The High Museum in Atlanta is one of the first places I’d choose to visit in the city, it’s one of my favorite hobbies to do when visiting any metropolitan area. I enjoy starting from the top floor of a museum and eventually finding my way down to the gift shop to then pick up an new art book for my personal collection… which also works as a souvenir from the visit. After a calm afternoon at an art museum, it’s normal to build up a little appetite. In Atlanta, there are tons of places to eat and it most excites me to try a new place each chance I get since there are so many spots I have yet to try. My favorite food spots are typically open past midnight. Places such as Spondivits, Taco Mac and even Parma which all have great food and that “sports bar” vibe are typically where I end up for a quick bite. For a brunch day with my girls, I would prefer to explore a new place that we could all try together with the endless options available. Nightlife in the city is rare for me since I like a quiet adventure, so if I’m not at Lake Lanier with a few friends by the evening I’d probably be at a hookah lounge in Midtown for the music and good laughs… though I’m still in search of my absolute favorite place to lounge.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to shoutout my branch of the NAACP Act-so program in New Brunswick, New Jersey. I never ever suspected my life would be what it is today, as far as being an Artist. During high school, I joined this program which helped to build my confidence within my craft and allowed for me to grow in my public speaking skills. This program was a turning point for me and helped drive me to study art in college. I didn’t believe my talent could be my career until I was apart of this organization. My first ever awarded artwork was won at Act-so in their local competition and I won 2 gold medals for both painting and drawing. I didn’t expect to leave with any medal and ended up making history for my branch by leaving with double gold. It’s very important to get yourself involved with a community of people to support what you do and push you to grow. Fortunately, I’ve also been able to give back to this program as a volunteer and 2 time judge at recent competitions. To be able to go back and help the youth at a stage where they need the same encouragement that I once needed was always full circle for me. The mentorship I’ve gained from that experience is also a huge inspiration behind my business, as becoming an Agent to other Artists in my community, I know I’m making an impact.

Website: http://www.muralmica.com/agency

Email: msw@muralmica.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mmstudiogallery

Instagram: www.instagram.com/muralmicagallery

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/mmstudiogallery

Image Credits
Bernie @bhurnal.photo (IG)