We recently connected with Jesse Perry and have shared our conversation below.
Jesse, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
I’ll never forget the first piece I sold. As a member of an artist collective in college, my companions and I participated in a monthly art walk in downtown Phoenix where we set up and displayed our artwork in hopes of making sales and expanding our reach as creatives. To start, my work was over priced and many of the pieces I had were painted with the mindset of selling them. I didn’t sell a single thing for two whole years. After a while, I began to display my more personal pieces… work that came from my heart, from my soul. That’s when it happened. A father and daughter visited our tabled, looked at the work, complimented it and told us they would be back. I held back my eye roll and went about my night. Just as we were packing up, the pair returned to make a purchase. The father told me his 13 year old daughter had connected with a six inch by six inch charcoal drawing of an apple I had done, that was entitled, “Johnny’s Bad Seed”. They said they had looked at everything else that evening, but this is the piece they wanted. A moment later, the father handed me $20 and they went about their evening.
That was it, that was all it took. After that it became easier to sell work… and to create it. I focused on creating work that I myself would want to look at, to enjoy, that I had a connection with. Once that first sale was made, it was like the flood gates opened. I began to sell more, and to get commissions, and to be requested to paint live at events. This was the true beginning of my art career that has flourished and grown. Now, art is my path to making a living and connecting with life itself.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Jesse Perry is a renowned spray paint artist based in Phoenix, Arizona and has been working as a professional artist since 2013. With over 150 murals attributed to his name, Jesse is known for his vibrant and dynamic creations, and he possesses a unique ability to bring life and energy to his artwork. Through skillful manipulation of spray paint cans and acrylic paints he turns blank canvases into vivid masterpieces that captivate viewers from all walks of life. Inspired by the diversity and cultural richness of the Southwest, Jesse’s art often reflects the vibrant colors, patterns, and landscapes of the region. His attention to detail and mastery of the medium enables him to create intricate and captivating pieces that evoke emotions and ignite the imagination. Jesse’s work has gained recognition both locally and nationally, and his passion for his craft shines through in every stroke. With a distinctive style that is unmistakably his own, Jesse Perry continues to make a profound impact on the Phoenix art scene and beyond.
As an artist, Jesse provides a wide array of products and services that consist of large scale murals, commission paintings, pet portraits, digital designs, live painting at festivals and events, as well as participating as a vendor at festivals and events. He is currently developing his website shinethruart.com which will feature examples of his work and a slue of merchandise, prints and much more.
As an artist, it is Jesses’ main goal to bring more color to the world by designing images and concepts that are relatable and timeless while still having a sense of wonder and whimsy. These playful values allow him to create unique images that are memorable and recognizable. When approached by a client, Jesse has to infuse his brand with the their ideas in order to create a cohesive piece that translates all the elements they had in mind, while still remaining true to his own personal style.
One of the main components of Jesses’ work is the community as a whole. Beautifying it, participating in it and giving back to it. Jesse is an avid believer in the idea of working together so he dedicates portions of his projects to donations that are funneled to programs that support creativity and youth.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Artwork has taken me to a great many places… both mentally and physically. I have seen some amazing places and have gained some amazing clients. I have journeyed to and witnessed things about myself I never knew I could discover and I have emerged a deeper individual because of it. The anticipation of what tomorrow holds just below the surface is enough to ignite my imagination and propel my motivation to the next level. I have my struggles, as most of us do. But artwork slates my appetite for purpose and provides meaning to my day. Lastly, my artwork allows to be myself. I get to create my world as I see fit and unapologetically be who I am every single day without regret.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As people, we pivot every day. We need to be flexible or the randomness of reality will inevitably drive us mad. The same exists in the world of the artist. After a traumatic divorce, my life was a mess. I lived out of my car for a year(in Arizona). I painted my commissions in public parks and did my best to design murals from a cramped, poorly lit storage unit. I showered at the gym and kept my head up the entire way. I applied discipline and saved every cent I could until I found an apartment with a studio space. Three years later and I am back to producing hundred of pieces and dozens of murals a year. But now that my Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has been tended too… new opportunities to pivot have arisen. The digital age is taking over and it has become vital for me to learn and implement those tools into my work. I have taught myself photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate and more in order to stay on the cusp of the ever changing artworld in order to meet demand, streamline productivity, and relate to the client with the cleanest and most comprehensive work possible. Once I get the hang of all these digital tools, I’m sure there will be yet another opportunity to pivot, but that’s the point. It pays to own the concept of, “the only constant is change.”
Contact Info:
- Website: shinethruart.com
- Instagram: @mrdowntownphx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzUm9icyt-E2wMnRC5U5ybQ