ABOUT
Who is Malcolm McCrae?
Malcolm “Airbrush Assassin” McCrae is a globally recognized full-time artist, author, speaker, and social entrepreneur who has seamlessly integrated creativity into his lifestyle. Born on August 24, 1980, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Malcolm has dedicated over 25 years to his craft, establishing himself as a professional artist with a profound impact.
As an educational authority, Malcolm delivers compelling lectures, conducts training classes, produces instructional programs, and has authored impactful books. His expertise has taken him across the globe, from West Africa to Australia, where he generously shares his knowledge and creative insights.
Central to McCrae’s message is the belief that creativity is not just about creation but also about inspiration. Recently recognized as a Missouri Arts Council Featured Artist and honored with the 2020 Change Maker Of The Year award by B-Magazine, Malcolm’s commitment to using art as a catalyst for change is evident. He was commissioned by AT&T to create two large public murals addressing social justice during the Black Lives Matter Movement of 2020.
While Malcolm passionately works with youth, he is also sought after by entrepreneurs, educators, institutions, and corporations as a consultant. He firmly believes in the transformative power of art and its ability to change lives.
As the founder of Pollination Station, a registered 501c3 non-profit established in 2019, Malcolm strives to pollinate the world with art and positivity. The nonprofit operates the Pollination Station Art Bus, a 40-foot converted coach bus designed and built by Malcolm. This mobile art studio, fully equipped with solar panels for off-the-grid living, tours the U.S., creating art, fostering experiences, and cultivating communities.
Malcolm’s journey began at the age of 12 when he started airbrushing T-shirts out of his basement and on street corners. By the age of 18, he owned his own shop, achieving a six-figure income. Fuelled by passion and determination, Malcolm continues to build sustainable businesses that are socially conscious and community-based, leaving an enduring mark on the world through his art and entrepreneurial ventures.
Artist Statement:
My name is Malcolm “Airbrush Assassin” McCrae and I'm an international artist. My art is an extension of the way I think and live. From producing films to large scale paintings, my work is a collage of images with stories of past and present. I try to incorporate my love for history and spirituality and nature in my work as I tell narratives of greatness on canvas. My creative gifts have been exhibited at galleries, festivals, corporations and Universities. I like to describe my art as “Freedom Art”; the fusion of life experiences, color, creativity and culture that brings joy to the soul. My style is a combination of digital art, street art, abstract and impressionism. I love using acrylic paint, spray cans and airbrushing as major tools in my arsenal.
In 2013, McCrae published his memoir “To Live, To Create, To Inspire; How Art Saved My Life” taking readers on a journey with his inspiring and empowering story. He describes his pain and poverty of sleeping in abandoned buildings in the unforgiving Ohio winters to finding purpose and prosperity. Malcolm shares his practical values for success, and how art and creativity saved his life as an at-risk youth. The book gives and in depth look into urban America and the challenges of overcoming poverty in an unforgiving environment, detailing his struggles and successes. McCrae also provides valuable insight on how anyone can use their sense of creativity to accomplish their dreams. “I have spent my whole life living with this friend called creativity. To most it is only a word, but to me it represents 40 years of who I am. It’s important that you know I was homeless and hopeless and something so simple as art changed and saved my life. I encourage every reader to use this book as a guide to help inspire the creative in you.” Malcolm has published over a dozen books, guides and instructional materials.
