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

Matt, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?

Early on I found myself undervaluing both my work and time. I thought that I somehow shouldn’t price jobs accordingly because I was just starting out, that because I had a day job in addition to my creative side work. I wasn’t clear that I expected to be paid, didn’t use contracts or agreements. In one such case I designed a product label and was expected to be paid in said product, not monetarily. But ultimately it was because I was not clear and confident.

Matt, 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?

My day job is as a sign maker/store artist for Trader Joe’s.

When the pandemic hit I found myself, along with many other people in public facing jobs, in uncharted territory.

Working at a grocery store during this time was interesting, to say the least. I felt both fortunate and guilty. I was able to continue to maintain an income to help support my family when so many others couldn’t and I was able to be in the back making signs for a portion of my day. Most of my sign work during that time was to inform customers of the rules and regulations while shopping, which changed often.

It was a very stressful time. I felt like I was risking my health every time I walked into work and was interacting with a public that didn’t always understand why certain measures needed to be taken.

One of the only things that helped, apart from going home to my wife and kids, was a nightly art making ritual. I just started drawing tattoo flash or lettering song titles and lyrics from my favorite bands, for no reason other than to protect my sanity during a crazy time in the world.

Through this outlet, my online shop/“brand”, ironically titled NOWHERESVILLE, was born. As a very modest person and a mostly self taught artist who has always felt weird about sharing my work, the name just kind of made sense. “Why would anyone want to buy a keychain that I designed?” – self deprecating all the way.

NO-WHERES-VILLE

[ noh-hwairz-vil ]

noun Slang.

1. A place or situation of no significance, promise or interest.

2. Anything unrealistic, impractical or useless.

3. Bric a brac designed by Matt Paul in Boston, MA. Inspired by rock n’ roll, tattoo culture and Americana.

I was inspired by the honeymoon my wife and I took. We drove across the country on Route 66. Stopping at kitschy roadside attractions and staying in motels with beautiful neon signs. We’d try and pick up a little something each time we stopped. A pen, mug or matchbook (all of which I’d still like to design one day.)

At this point I’m not sure what’s next. Lately I’ve been enjoying more hands on ways of making art. Paper marbling, book making, and collage. I used to think that my lack of formal training and experience meant that I shouldn’t be allowed or capable to create, (art school dropout over here). As I went on and frankly, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the only things that should matter are doing what makes you happy and surrounding yourself with kind people who inspire you in turn to be kind. Is that corny? Probably, but it’s serving me pretty well right now.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

When something I’ve made connects with someone it’s always rewarding and it’s what drives me to continue learning. Wether it’s someone connecting with a piece I made in response to the pandemic, or a tongue in cheek piece, it’s always a thrill. Always inspiring.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Public art is something that I believe to be incredibly important. Boston has been on a seemingly endless road to complete gentrification. Lending a wall to a muralist, an empty storefront window to a photographer, green space to a sculptor or gardener to plant a pollinator garden have the potential to bring awareness to social injustice and climate change. Free libraries, zine collections, community fridges and artist run markets amplify voices of marginalized communities. These types of initiatives would pay back dividends to the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.destinationnowheresville.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/no_wheres_ville/