The Unconventional Path of an Artist: Art Resonating Emotionally Leads to a Career

Many artists have similar journeys and bios. They sound like, “I attended So and So Art School and had several residencies. This is why I am important because of the XYZ exhibition and awards.” The careers of artists look like every other profession: a resume. My experience has been different. Here is my argument for unconventional art careers.

I have always doodled and sketched. In class at school, on my homework, or on any free piece of paper in a setting where my mind was agitated, I created. I filled pages with faces, logos, and ideas. These elementary drawings were the base and foundation of everything I do today as Mad Charcoal. I couldn’t focus for long, so my drawings were expressive, focused on the important areas where the eyes are drawn, and not perfection. This led to my unique style of portrait drawings that capture movement and emotion.

Even though art was in my blood, I never had a plan to be a full-time artist. I wanted to have a job that supported my family and allowed for a lifestyle I could be proud of. After attending ASU, I spent years working as a soccer referee and graphic designer. 2020 changed my plans, and in my tiny apartment in North Phoenix, I started posting about my charcoal drawings and portrait art on TikTok. Like every other pandemic person who was bored and had too much free time. This wasn’t a planned career move or any goal to get rich quickly. It wasn’t even me who did the posting, but my wife, who thought I had something to offer the world. It took me by surprise when I got traction online because the pieces I made resonated emotionally with people. 8 million followers later, I am still so grateful that people engage with my fine art and allow me to draw full-time.

To fall into being a full-time artist is God’s blessing on my life. He created me uniquely for this, and each day he shows his faithfulness. Now collectors from around the world have my original charcoal art hanging in their homes, and galleries invite me to show in contemporary art exhibitions across the USA. The life I never thought could happen became reality.

My artist biography is not “normal,” but the audience has always mattered for art to be truly great. That my expressive drawings, charcoal sketches, and unconventional ideas resonate with you all allows me to be labeled an artist.