We were lucky to catch up with Robert Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Robert thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Most of my skills were self taught. I have also had some really awesome mentors along the way. In the graffiti world YGEA was my graffiti mentor, and in my sign painter career Mike Meyer out of Chester, Iowa is my current mentor. I feel that having a skilled mentor is a key factor to speeding up your progression. Having someone that can one on one teach you, and show you the craft is a huge benefit. I have seen so many people struggle with learning a new craft/skill without having a good mentor. When it comes to graffiti and sign painting there are so many little tricks that if you don’t know can cause a real struggle in your progression. I have always ran into a few obstacles in any art form that have been struggles. But I never gave up and knew that with time they could be overcome.

Robert, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well I was born and raised on the central coast of California. At a pretty young age I was always being creative and exploring the creative artistic world. I was always the kid in class that was taking notes and at the same time doodling in the margins of my notes. Even to this day while I’m on the phone I’ll be doodling and or sketching letters during the conversation. What really got me into art and mor intrigued by it were skateboard graphics. I started skateboarding when I was about 8 years old. I never really chose a skateboard on its size or shape. It was really what the graphic was on the bottom of the board. Years later I would come to learn who the artist were that were actually influencing me art wise. Having a somewhat broad interest in different forms of art I feel has definitely broaden my art abilities. I have had some really awesome art experiences. There are a few that are much more memorable than others. Being an art assistant on one of the largest murals in North America was an amazing experience. I have also had some great experiences with Mike Meyer. Assisting him with sign painting classes to painting murals in other states.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Really being part of a project and when you see the finished product is quite rewarding. Every project I always learn something new and take away a new skill. The new skill always comes into play with the next project, and with my own personal journey.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Sitting behind a desk working a 9 to 5 isn’t for everybody. It’s definitely not for me. Being able to travel, and meet new people has been one things that is very stimulating to me. I feel like so many people in modern society get caught up in a job that they really don’t enjoy and or find rewarding mentally brings them down. Debt, and the overall cost of living can make people feel trapped in a job. I fully understand this feeling and have been there. I will admit that I have definitely struggled and had some very low points in life on my art journey. But I always kept my head up and knew in my heart that hard work and persistence would pay off. Never give up and and never let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Californiagrownginger
• Facebook: Rob lewis