Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Piper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Michael , so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
The only thing that the haters really do is throw fuel on the fire. They’re some of my best motivation. The more they talk, the more I work. It’s as easy as that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m an artist first and foremost, and as long as I can remember, I’ve had this creative spark inside of me. My goal as an artist is to make my audience think outside the box by introducing new perspectives beyond the mainstream, challenging a lifetime of indoctrination. I ultimately want to help people think for themselves and teach them to question everything, but I also enjoy doing art just for the sake of art.
I started really focusing on my artwork when I got locked up at 19 for burglary. With a lot more time on my hands I found a way to both escape and embrace my surroundings. I started tattooing in prison, where I also learned how powerful art can really be. I’m now a professional and an award winning tattoo artist, but I’m also a self-published author. In my first book American Inkslinger: The Confessions and Illustrations of a Penitentiary Tattoo Artist, I share my story along with my full portfolio of over 400 original sketches, drawings, and paintings from the 12 years that I spent locked up. This was a huge step for me, which made me want to do more. I’m now working on my next book American Inkslinger: At Large along with a screenplay based on these books, which I’m really excited about.
I’ve been out for 13 years and have grown so much, leaving the world of crime and addiction behind. I’m married with 2 sons now, which has been my biggest motivation to change. I’m also proud to be a part of an amazing non-profit organization called Pinnacle Youth Summitt. Started by my old celly Jacob Spaur, we focus on building a drug free community through art and outdoor adventures. I think it’s important to take our own troubled experiences and use them to help guide the youth down a different path. I don’t believe everyone needs to learn things the hard way.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Number 1 would have to be having the courage to be yourself. To be an individual, not just a copy of a copy.
Number 2 would be focus. To know what you want and where you want to be and not letting the small distractions deter you. Keep your eyes on the prize. That’s the only way it works.
Number 3 would be the subtle art of not giving a fuck. You can’t let the negative opinions of others get to you. Take it on the chin and keep doing you.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
As a self-published author, I’m having a hard time getting my book and myself out there. Between being a husband, a father and a full-time tattooer it’s been difficult to do alone. As of lately I’ve been really focusing on networking with amazing people and brands.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_paid_piper?igsh=bjdoeDkzMm5wYTd5
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@the_paid_piper?si=r-mUXA3zHSY9h_C3
Image Credits
Bruce Michael
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