Conversations with Cary Michael Robinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cary Michael Robinson. 

Hi Cary, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello. My name is Cary Michael Robinson, and to design is my desire. Breaking away from the socially accepted “norm” that my colleagues created for me, I found an outlet through art and design, having sacrificed a “promising” career in the field of engineering at Tuskegee University to boldly pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design from Florida A&M University (FAMU). While a student FAMU, I worked as a Graphic Design and Marketing intern at the Capitol Region YMCA and Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science and became the founder and president of the FAMU Fine Arts Society (FAS) – an organization whose mission was “to unite and increase the artistic quality of students who share similar interests in any division of Fine Arts and to encourage greater public appreciation of these mentioned Arts throughout Florida A&M University as well as the Tallahassee community” 

After undergrad, my life was at a crossroads, as I became plagued with the decision to work in my hometown as a restaurant manager or further my educational experience. That decision was made clear when I became concerned with understanding the intricate system involved in designing products and services and stumbled upon the Design Management program at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). While in the graduate program, I managed several design processes in a number of multidisciplinary teams, developed and enhanced a multitude of new design skills, and have met some of the world’s most remarkable and talented designers, some of whom I am very fortunate to call my friends. 

Once I received a Master of Arts degree in November 2011, I immediately relocated to Washington D.C. where I began working in the field of hospitality as a server and bartender. Being at the right place at the right time, and by continuing to utilize creativity in the context of everything that I do (from the intricate garnishing of cocktails to arranging clothing items to create an outfit) – I was able to catch the attention of my former boss Johan Zea who hired me to be his administrative assistant at a nearby residential property. I consistently worked in both fields (hospitality and property management), having being promoted to a resident services manager, leasing marketing manager, and assistant property manager all within 3 years. While I was content with my livelihood, I, once again, began to feel like my life was at a crossroads; however, in 2015, I decided to reintroduce myself to society as a visual artist and design strategist, and finally landed at job as a Design Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). 

I began to build my artistic roster and portfolio by participating in numerous local art exhibits and showcases, all while working as an intellectual property professional at the USPTO. My artwork soon became featured in the 2016 BET Awards, Harlem Fine Arts Show, African American Civil War Museum, and various other exhibits at venues throughout the Washington, DC Metro area, New Jersey, New York, Alabama, and Florida, and eventually became part of permanent collections. Being exposed to environments that stimulated my ability to think creatively led me to continue to follow the path as an aspiring commercial designer, and after serving as a Studio Artist at Cheers Art Studio in Woodbridge, VA and Creative Saints Loft in Hyattsville, MD, I decided to develop my artist collective Artbae in 2018. Artbae’s primary goal is to encourage people to live their purpose through their passion by putting their “art” (the expression and application of that divinely-inspired creative skill) before anything else in order to live a more satisfying life. 

In 2020, Artbae was recognized for the numerous significant contributions we’ve have made to the creative culture of the District of Columbia by becoming the recipients of the 2020 Emerging Creative Award at the 35th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. Since our establishment, we’ve donated and raised over 6.7K in proceeds for local charities and organizations through co-branded painting events, art showcases, and artwork donations provided opportunities for local emerging artisans to showcase their talent, and participated in community initiatives to make both art and the process of art-making more accessible to DMV residents. 

In 2021, Artbae has been continuing to stay in the forefront of the spotlight, having embarking upon initiatives such as our inaugural Artbae Runway Fashion Show experience, in partnership with The Divas with Disabilities Project, and Xtra Selfie Xzibit space re-design in Pentagon City Mall (Arlington, VA), where I served as Art Director on these projects, alongside a dynamic and amazing creative team. Additionally, I received grants from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council to have a solo art show and provide art lessons as therapeutic recreation in 2022. Throughout this journey, I discovered that I enjoy being a socialite, planning events and exhibits and that I am passionate about promoting social change and improving the overall quality of life of others through the effective use of creativity in all endeavors. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, the road has been smooth, but it hasn’t been straight or narrow. The thing I like to emphasize to those who identify as an artist or creator is that in this field of endeavor, you can always “paint your own path” and “design your own destiny”. There have been times where I didn’t know which direction to take, or whether or not I wanted to be a freelance artist, art teacher or professor, commercial artist, independent artist, etc. There’s also been instances where folks have tried to put me in a box and place a distinct label on me, while all the while, I never wanted to only see myself as just a “painter” or just a “visual artist” because there are so many faucets of my character beyond that element. While on this journey, I found it useful to take a few pit stops and detours while on the road, and explore different mediums (mixed media, oil, acrylic), different genres of artistry, as well as different multimedia industries. I believe that artists have the power to create their own reality and career path and that we are constantly on a path to evolution. There may be times where you’ll eventually find your niche in one market, and in turn, that niche might become something else later on down the road, which is perfectly acceptable and OK. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Visual Artist, Design Strategist. Creative Community Organizer, Culture Creator, and Experience Enhancer. 

I am the CEO/Creative Director of the 2020 Emerging Artist Award-winning Artbae, LLC and founder of The Artbae Foundation, Inc. 

In regards to my artistry, I am a vibrant acrylic painting that captures the beauty of life forms in an erotic, intense, seductive, yet intimate fashion. I am monochromatic, multicolored or a merger between the two hues. I am a 2-dimensional canvas expanded into a 3-dimensional, transformative environment. I am the ethos of past generations or the essence of contemporary society. I am a tangible masterpiece that breaks the interpretation of what society considers “traditional art”. 

I am Colorful, Collaborative, Cultural, and Classic…I am #CaryMichael 

What matters most to you?
What matters to me most is that I leave a legacy behind that is rooted in creating social impact and improving the overall betterment of society through the effective use of art and design. We all have a gift that we were born share with the world, and I would not want to leave this earth without being able to use my gift to positively impact the generations to come. 

Contact Info:

• Email: info@carymichael.com
• Website: carymichael.com | artbaeonline.com
• Instagram: @carymichael_ | @artbaeonline
• Facebook: Cary Michael | ArtbaeOnline
• Twitter: CaryMichael_ | ArtbaeOnline
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMapnUUd1an9BN9GBFjJkNw
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=2fu-uMr7Z2ycw3ApU1W1_g
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artbaellc/