We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matthew Kurtyka. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew below.

Matthew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have been a full time artist for the last 6 years, and it has definitely been an interesting journey!

I graduated in college with less clarity that I had hoped for. I was pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, but soon came to realize that I worthy of being seen as a creative.

I spent the next few years building my portfolio. I struggled financially working mediocre, part-time jobs, but did my best to fill my cup with aligned opportunities. I didn’t have any expectations at this time, but I knew that I just had to do what I loved.

When I moved to St Pete, there was a shift. With the birthing of Plant Love Ice Cream, I had a platform to create my first murals. From there, tattooing aligned into my field and I haven’t stopped since.

Once of the biggest milestones for creatives is making money from their art. We live in a world that often doesn’t value what art offers. NOTHING would be what it is today without art! No brand, no storefront, no aesthetic.. art is what defines authenticity. It’s expression, and without it, life would be emotionless.

Knowing my worth would have sped up the process. However, I understand that this process is an arrival. This relates to our inner-journey and how we evolve as humans, just as a flower blossoms from a seed.

Matthew, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an intentional tattoo artist. I never thought that I would tattoo. I had a lot of people ask me if I did tattoos because of my ink drawings. It made sense, and by the grace of God, a friend offered to teach me.

To me, tattooing isn’t just body art, it’s energetic imprinting. Tattoos can be incredibly transformative and empowering. Whether we realize it or not, they are affecting our energetic fields!

I specialize in sacred geometry, fine line/dot work, ornamental and plants/animals. I believe that we can speak intention into our tattoos, and as we create them, hold the prayer for what we are calling in or in some cases, letting go.

It is my responsibility to not only create great art, but to hold a container that invites co-creation, communication and safety. I genuinely love connecting with new, awesome people and getting to create meaningful art.

There are many amazing artists out there, but have seen and heard too much to know how important it is to receive good work AND clean energy when receiving a tattoo! I believe there is someone out there for everyone. I must say that I do not take what I do for granted and approach every session with gratitude, reverence and integrity.

I’m really proud of my consistency and devotion towards tattoo. Also, out of hundreds of tattoos, I can honestly say that 99% of my clients have been so respectful and a genuine pleasure to create with.

On a final note, we are vibrational beings! The symbols that we put on ourselves interact with our bio-fields. Always discern and always express yourself!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom. Of course freedom is relative, but the freedom to make my schedule, start tattooing when I desire and choose who I work with.

I love creating when I am inspired and resting when I am uninspired, all while being respected in my creative process. I greatly value structure, and it is the freedom within the structure that I have always craved.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can pay and support more artists!

When we look at old world architecture, we see intricate carvings, ornate patterns and breathtaking exterior design. In the modern day, we are living and working in colorless boxes!

This is an observed trend over the decades. My contention is that society has been devaluing and under-appreciating artists. As I mentioned before, no brand, storefront or home would be what it is without art. Life would expressionless and emotionless without art.

I trust that with AI, society will hit a breaking point to where we will CRAVE authentic, human expression. Perhaps the world will have to go grey before we all realize that color and expression is the answer.

Ideally the creatives bring life and expression, and eventually awaken “non-creatives” to express themselves and share their gifts. Everyone deserves to be seen and reciprocated for their unique gifts.

More platforms for artists to be seen. More programs to teach and inspire self-expression. Community efforts to rally artists and unify under a common message. I believe that is why St Pete is the way it is today!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesacredcreative.com
• Instagram: @thesacredcreative
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/matty_wings
• Other: Etsy Shop – https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSacredCreative