We recently connected with Michael Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Michael , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose is helping people . When I started chasing after a dream of photography. I didn’t know where to start .Through all the experiences in life that I went through . From music school, traveling the USA for music to working a the Playboy Mansion . I got to see and experience some of the best photography and videography . I can remember watching all the camera men doing there jobs and I just absorbed everything in. At the young age I always had a camera filming my self . Till one day I was working a 9-5 Job and knew this waste for me . I prayed to God to help me find my way in photography and to bring the people who needed me . So I left and began taking on a gig at a recording studio called RZN Recordings . They were the first to give me a photography job . This is were I mastered my craft. From the dark lighting to the emotions coming from every artist that walked in the door . I found my purpose helping the unknown and the underrated . Many of my photos ended up on their website and socials for the world to see . From there I started to take on more clients and soon started working with Clothing brands and Festivals . To were I get hired to take care of the smaller artist and the branding of all the vendors. So you see my purpose has always been to help people be seen .
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
If you look at the logo you will see a picture of me as a Duck . this comes from a child hood nickname Duckie . So most people recognize me from the logo as the Duckman. I get the name CLVRK because when I had make a name for myself when I first started .I choose my last name and flipped the A for an artist feel .From this day I been known as CLVRK. After a year of doing photography fulltime I started CLVRK Collective . Clvrk Collective is a collection of visual art from photography and Videography . Taking influence from all my experiences in life . I work closely with music artist ,models, Clothing brands , music festivals , private parties and Events . In 2023 was honored to be recognized by the city of Los Angeles signed by Keven De Leon for the community work I do with a company called Sueño . Also in 2023 I also got my publication in Underground Hip hop Magazine and my photos were also used for some of the Centerfolds of Playboy . There is no boundaries to my work and I love that because it allows me to keep doing what I love in the way I love to do it . Taking every moment of being in behind a camera and creating magic with my subject in front of me .
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities I this impacted me the most in my work . One is my devotion to God with put him in my life I don’t think I would be able to do what I do or meet the people I have met . I pray everyday for him to bring the people that need me . Two is enjoying and using my experiences in life . I started out as a musician touring and Studying production .I use this experience to relate to my artist on stage and in the studio. Many times once I tell them I went to school for music it helps ease the nervousness and tension in front of the camera allowing me to capture them in a natural state because they feel more comfortable with me like I was a friend just coming to take their photo. Using my years at the Playboy mansion as a butler helped me a lot. I got to see and experience a lot of photoshoots and parties while I was there .I also got to meet a-lot of celebrities with helped me become numb to the spotlight of stardom. watching the camera crews I learned from them and now adapt everything to what I do now . From the models I work with to the events and parties I capture . Three I would say influences . Lot of my work and projects I I do . I try to implement the influences I draw from .Like Cory Kramer , Ray Duker, and Patrick Mcmullan. Pulling influence from videos I see and movies I love . I always looking up new techniques to try out . My videography is very documentary . I love capturing moments and putting them to gather like a puzzle piece on film . Using old cinematography as my base . My advice to others is you have to dive in head first in to your dream . Taking all you have experienced and using to you advantage. Yes you are going to make mistakes . Turn it into a lesson and learn from it . Thats the only way you are going to get better . Over time creating you style and mastering your craft .
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The Alchemist by Pablo Coelho . I have owned numerous of copies of this book and have given it away to many in need when they want to chase a dream .I carry a copy on me where ever I go . In this book you have a boy who sent on a journey to fallow his dream overcoming the obstacles that life threw him ultimately come to experiencing his dream . This book is filled so many inspiring quotes . Like “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” and “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” When I first read this book I knew I would always one day find my purpose and chase my dream . this book changed my mindset and perspective of what is possible if you just go after it and work hard .
Contact Info:
- Website:Clvrkcollective.com
- Instagram: C.L.V.R.K
- Facebook: Clvrk Collective
- Youtube: Clvrkcollective
Image Credits
The One up Lifestyle ( Team Photo) Cindy Sterling ( Playboy centerfold) Rouge Bunnies Mayhem ( Podcast) Dj Tennis and Carlita ( Chinatown show) Dj Miss Nine ( Cello Winery private show )
