We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Drake Arnold a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Drake, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I intentionally try to only seek out projects that are meaningful to me. I recently reached out to volunteer my skills as a mural artist with a local environmental non-profit here in North Central Florida, to try to amplify their organizations message. I ended up painting a 420′ long mural wall that profiles over 30 native plant and animal species local to the Ocklawaha river system. I got to contribute my unique skillset to a charitable organization and give back to my local community at the same time. It is truly a blessing to be able to work on meaningful projects like that.

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.

My name is Drake Arnold, I am a mural artist and augmented reality developer based in North Central Florida. I like to create public art projects that leave the world a brighter, better place! I have been creating AR art and merchandise since 2018 and AR mural installations since 2019. I love combining the ancient art form of mural painting with the cutting edge technology of augmented reality, resulting in interactive public art installations that can enhance the visual narrative and engage with the public in fascinating new ways. It is an exciting time; to be witness to and a part of, the pioneering of these new fields of creative expression. I look forward to continuing to explore the vast intersection between art and technology.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to try to leave the world a better place than when I found it. It is the mission driving my creative journey but also my life. Outside of my career I have become obsessed with permaculture gardening, sustainability and regenerative practices. I hope to leave a light footprint upon the earth. At home I am building a food forest garden of perennial species. At work and through my career, I try to keep these values in mind when creating the themes and subjects within my art. I try to create work that celebrates the cornucopia of flora and fauna on this planet. I try to create work that celebrates life, and the human spirit. I want to be an empty vessel, I want to be of service.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I volunteered to paint the school mascot at an elementary school a few years ago. Their principal later told me how much the kids loved it and how they felt a greater sense of school pride because of the artwork. Projects like that are truly rewarding…

During my most recent mural project, I was commissioned by the city of Holmes Beach to paint a 190′ mural wall that celebrated the history of the specific location of the mural wall. In the 1940’s through the 1970’s that location was an airstrip where small aircrafts would take off and land. The mural art featured multiple single engine aircrafts as well as an old airstrip and a bird’s eye view of the island. The concept artwork was developed in collaboration with the Mayor of Holmes beach to ensure historical accuracy. Multiple residents stopped while I was working to tell me how grateful they were for the subject of the piece. It is very rewarding for me to leave a piece of public artwork that is site specific, in tribute to the area or its history.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.DrakeArnold.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Drake_Arnold_Art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrakeArnoldArt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drakearnold/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DrakeArnoldArt