Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ethan Punal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ethan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Time has been my best investment. The time I’ve put into getting better at shadowing, crosshatching, drawing eyes, hands, and lips, the time I’ve spent sneaking into record labels, chasing artists around night clubs and backstage at festivals for an opportunity, to the time I’ve invested into myself and making sure my wife and I are good and that I’m happy and healthy. I’ve read that life is short and art is long. Time is a finite thing, and while I’m here, I want to be happy and pour into what fulfills me. People should always keep in mind that they are their own greatest piece. Your life, and what you do with it is an artistic and creative product. Invest the time necessary to make it a masterpiece.

Ethan, 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?

My name is Ethan Punal and I am a digital artist born, raised, and working out of Miami, Florida. Both of my parents are creative in their own ways. My mom is a very talented multimedia artist, and my dad is a wizard on the drums. Being around that type of energy from an early age fueled my imagination. Growing up I would design my own Yugioh cards, invent storylines for Dragon Ball Z movies, or WWE plots, and would try writing and illustrating my own anime. In high school, I met my current group of friends, who all were creative in their own ways, and we began to propel on another’s passions. When I got to college, I started studying film and art. I fell in love with movie posters, and the design process behind them. I also became obsessed with Andy Warhol, not just for his popular works, but for the polaroid portraits he would take of his famous friends who would come by his studio. I thought that was a such a flex, and wanted to start doing that with my friends. Around this same time, one of my friends sold me an old drawing tablet of his, and from there, I took off. I started drawing portraits of my friends, and local artists, then expanded into pop culture and haven’t looked back.

My work has evolved over the years, but the core focus has remained the same; pop culture. I am passionate about what other people are passionate about. I love the 15 seconds of fame a popular Netflix series goes through, a one hit wonder, or a magnum opus release from a popular artist. I believe pop culture has a hold on the very fabric of mankind. Like most kids, I put up posters in my room of my favorite artists, shows, etc. That is why I believe offering prints of my works is so important. I want kids to be able to have these pieces hung up in their rooms, dorm rooms, studios, etc. Being a part of their journey, their creative process, their everyday experiences is what I am most proud of.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I love reading. If you are friend of mine, there is a good chance I have gifted or recommended a book to you at some point. I particularly love reading biographies. Everything from Adolf Hitler’s, “Mein Kampf”, to Action Bronson’s, “Fuck It, I’ll Start Tomorrow”. This genre gives you insights into their journeys and thoughts when they were getting started and serve as soundboards for me to connect to and adapt or reinforce my current approach. Below are the books that are in my current rotation;
1. Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act: A Way of Being”
2. Austin Kleon’s: “Keep Going”
3. Austin Kleon’s: Steal Like An Artist”
4. Austin Kleon’s: “Show Your Work”
5. Julia Cameron’s: “The Artist’s Way”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal is to remain in love with the process and be happy. That is the ultimate fulfilment.

Contact Info:

• Website: ethanryanpunal.com
• Instagram: @ethanryanpunal
• Twitter: @ethanryanpunal

Image Credits
All photos taken by @dilmcd on Instagram