Michael McCloud, a trailblazing artist rooted in the entertainment industry, embarked on a unique journey from a promising college athlete to a prominent figure in creative arts, fashion, music and now AI Artistry. His unwavering dedication has led to collaborations with industry titans like GAP, Ralph Lauren, Nike, and Reebok. Notably, Michael made history as the first black male model to grace the runways of Shanghai, China.
His artistic prowess extends to the realm of film, where he worked alongside renowned filmmaker Michael Bay and contributed to the iconic 2017 Super Bowl commercial featuring Lady Gaga’s electrifying performance. In July 2022, McCloud embraced the moniker BLCKBUTTERFLY, signaling a new chapter in his musical journey. His highly anticipated debut book, “Black Butterfly,” was released in May 2024. This poignant memoir takes readers on a transformative odyssey of identity, resilience, and self-discovery, delving into life’s trials and triumphs with heartfelt introspection. As the founder of the innovative online magazine and platform IMMO, Michael has orchestrated shoots and collaborations with notable celebrities such as Coco Breezy, Alicia Keys, Nina Sky, and rising star Bryn Chapman Parish. His AI Artwork has already been featured on known AI apps like HAIPER being a top 3 user out of millions.
This evolution underscores his enduring commitment to artistic exploration and expression
You began your journey as a promising college athlete. How did you transition from sports to the creative arts, and what motivated that shift?
I was on a basketball scholarship at BYUH in Hawaii, but after a year, I faced a pivotal choice: continue in sports or follow my true passion for the creative arts. My heart always yearned for fashion, music, and film. Even while playing basketball, I was deeply involved in music, photography, and directing shows. The transition wasn’t as dramatic as it may seem. An opportunity to model in LA came up, and though it didn’t unfold as planned, it catalyzed my decision to leave university and fully pursue my dreams. It was a leap of faith to embrace my passions and never look back.
You’ve worked with iconic brands like GAP, Ralph Lauren, Nike, and Reebok. How have these collaborations influenced your artistic vision, and what have been the most memorable moments?
Collaborating with these renowned brands offered me invaluable insights into the behind-the-scenes magic of creating iconic ads, shows, and campaigns. It also expanded my network, allowing me to introduce my music and other talents to influential clients. Working with Reebok was particularly surreal; we shot in Cape Town’s famous football stadium, racing up the stadium steps. The competitive spirit from my basketball days made that experience unforgettable.
As an early adopter of AI in the art world, what excites you most about this new medium? How do you see AI impacting the future of creative expression?
AI has revolutionized my creative process. As a solo artist handling every aspect of my work—from music production to photography—AI offers me limitless possibilities. It allows me to bring any vision to life, whether through pure AI or by enhancing real-life photos. For music artists, AI opens up new avenues for creating high-quality visuals and animations that were previously unattainable. It’s a powerful tool that pushes creative boundaries and offers a whole new dimension for artistic expression.
You’ve had a multifaceted career spanning fashion, film, music, and AI art. How do you navigate these different industries, and what advice would you give to emerging artists trying to carve their own path?
Navigating these diverse fields has been a journey of trial and error. I don’t have a formula, but I believe the key is to immerse yourself in what you’re passionate about, blocking out distractions and doubts. Invest your energy in your true calling and adapt as you go. Embrace rejection as part of the process, and keep believing in your worth. Success often comes gradually, so stay persistent and open to evolving.
Your transition into music with the moniker BLCKBUTTERFLY marks a new chapter in your career. What inspired this shift, and how does your music reflect your journey so far?
Sellah was my artist name for over a decade, but as I grappled with depression/loss of inspiration in general, the name became weighted with too many associations. BLCKBUTTERFLY represents a fresh start—a chance to rediscover my essence and approach my music with renewed focus and deeper understanding. The name Sellah, derived from ‘Selah,’ symbolizes freedom, reflection, and the conclusion of a prayer. I chose to retain I AM SELLAH as my Instagram handle to signify ‘I AM FREE,’ reflecting my personal liberation rather than my past identity. My visual work always is meant to carry profound meaning, deeply connected to my true self and creative spirit. I am still just like everyone else, figuring things out as I go and apply myself.
The name BLCKBUTTERFLY has deep personal significance. Years ago, I got a black butterfly tattoo in Cape Town, symbolizing transformation and new beginnings. At a low point in my life, this tattoo reminded me of my potential for reinvention. I wanted a name that captured this essence, leading to BLCKBUTTERFLY. I chose this name after researching and finding that names with multiple syllables linger in the mind. My new music goal embodies vulnerability and growth, reflecting my evolution and the lessons learned from past challenges. It’s a unique sound that I am very proud of and only continues to evolve.
Shoutout to Sounds By Pandora, a new sound engineering team back in South Africa that I recently teamed up with to finish my new EP: INVOLUTION OF SELF.
Looking back on your journey, what do you want your legacy to be in the creative arts? What future projects or goals are you most excited about?
I want my legacy to be one of innovation and empowerment, particularly in how AI reshapes creative fields. I aim to inspire others to embrace AI and take creative risks, always betting on themselves. My magazine IMMO is a project I’m incredibly excited about. It has immense potential, and I’m thrilled about future opportunities, like organizing more international shoots on bigger scales. My focus now is on growth, from touring and expanding my streaming numbers to building a dedicated team for my music and even under IMMO. I’m ready for the next chapter, where the universe guides me to new and exciting opportunities.
https://www.iammichaelmccloud.com
https://www.youtube.com/@blckbutterfly
