Meet Michael Blackman | Perfumer and Owner of Past Artists Fragrances

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Blackman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I wish I could say, “I was struck by inspiration at 3am and never looked back!” But that isn’t the case. Past Artists is the culmination of two other attempts at solidifying my brand and what I was trying to say.
It wasn’t until I stripped away other negative voices and just asked myself, what do you want to say? I wanted to make creative fragrances and I wanted them to correlate with things that I love. I am inspired by art every single day. I’m an art school kid. Fragrance based on art. Easy, just don’t look back at the trail of dead ideas I left along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There is a growing list of industries that have tackled the big monopolies. Craft beer took on the big breweries. Natural and garage wineriess are fighting the mass produced juice. Little start ups are finding ways to compete against longstanding cornerstones. Past Artists sees themselves as part of the movement. We set ourselves apart from the big perfumeries by using great ingredients, handmade with intention, and the ability to be nimble with our creativity. However, we see ourselves not apart, but together with like-minded craft industries. Our scents are unique, creative, and independent and intended for folx of the same ilk.

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?
This is actually a great question. My first foray into business was building bars and restaurants. Ha ha. So yeah, we are going to start with a glass of wine and cheese plate at Holcomb in Highland Park, then head down the street to drink some great IPAs and have a taco at The Hermosillo. Now we’ve got a nice little buzz, off to the Norton Simon to check out some past artists.

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’d love to shout out all the artists out there. All the folks toiling away at their craft with little or no recognition. Without that spirit of creativity the world would be a lesser place.

Website: https://www.pastartists.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastartists