"Visionary Viking" Mike Ruiz Pop Culture Icon, Director, Photographer Mindful Artist Podcast S2E20 Andrew Velázquez

Mindful Artist Podcast

Mike Ruiz’s mark on pop culture is undeniable. Mike is an autodidact having taught himself photography, film making, publishing, production, marketing and public relations.

He is one of the more prolific photographers of his generation. His massive list of celebrity clients include Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway, Billy Porter, Billy Idol, Neil Patrick Harris, RuPaul, MJ Rodriguez, Cardi B, Ruby Rose, Katy Perry, Prince, Justin Theroux, Kim Kardashian, Iman, Anthony Mackie, Nicki Minaj, Kelly Clarkson, Aubrey Plaza, Chance The Rapper, Jim Parsons, Queen Latifah, Beyonce, Betty White and literally thousands of others.

He’s also gone on to direct dozens of music videos for artists such as Kelly Rowland, Vanessa Williams, Erika Jayne and RuPaul. He made his feature film directorial debut with the uproarious comedy “StarrBooty” starring RuPaul.

Not only does Mike excel behind the camera but his telegenic presence has landed him dozens of spots on television and in film. He has appeared numerous times on America’s Next Top Model, was a permanent fixture on Canada’s Next Top Model, appeared on the first 6 seasons of RuPaul’s Dragrace as the photographer on the season opener (a spot that was created especially for him) Mike was named creative director and principal photographer for L’Officiel Fashion Book Australia, L’Officiel Fashion Book Monte Carlo. Mike also co-owns Photobook Magazine for which he is also the creative director. Mike is most proud of his community service having supported such organizations as The Ali Forney Center, GMHC, The Trevor Project, Housing Works, It Gets Better Campaign, Live Out Loud, Project Angel Food, GLAAD, Heritage of Pride and Pride Live. Mike has been honored with the Diamond Award from the Imperial Court of New York, The Ali Forney Center Advocate Award, GMHC’s Hector Extravaganza Excellence Award and was named Grand Marshall for Pride in the cities of Albuquerque NM, San Antonio TX and Tampa FL. Mike was also honored with a proclamation from the City of New York and has had the US flag flown of the United States Capitol at the request of Congressman Adam Schiff, all in recognition of his tireless efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Mike also advocates for animal rights supporting dozens of rescues and organizations such as PETA, Stand Up For Pits, FOUR PAWS INT and Bark Nation.

https://mikeruiz.com

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