We were lucky to catch up with Aaron Schmit recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aaron, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The day I traded a bottle for a paintbrush, my whole world flipped. For 15 years, booze had me in a vice grip, but that all changed the moment I decided to paint, just on a whim, really. It was nothing fancy, just me throwing colors on a canvas like a first-grader. But then, someone saw it, actually wanted it for their place, and was willing to pay for it. That hit me hard. Here I was, thinking what I made was just trash, yet someone else saw it as treasure.

So, I thought, why not give it another go? Paint something else, maybe a bit better, and see if I can up the ante. That’s exactly what I did. Every new piece was a step up, a way to challenge myself, to see how far I could stretch this newfound streak.

This wasn’t just about painting, though. It became my way out of the dark, my fight back against a life drowned in alcohol. Since that first day, I haven’t stopped creating. Not one day has gone by without me picking up that brush. And guess what? I’ve been sober ever since, rolling strong for nearly four years come this June.

Becoming a professional artist? Never saw it coming. But this journey has been the wildest, most fulfilling ride of my life. It’s shown me that the rock bottom I thought I was at? That was just the foundation for something new. My Trashflower series? That’s the heart of it all. 124 as we speak has been painted and are spread out within the 37 states my artwork is in. My goal since the beginning was to get at least 1 canvas in all 50 states by years end. So far, 37 in 3 years isnt bad. Id say thats a good batting average. Each piece is a shout-out to the beauty that’s waiting to burst out from the least expected places, a mirror to my own climb out from the shadows.

This whole art gig has taught me loads about the power of sticking your neck out, of trying something new, even when it feels like you’re just fumbling in the dark. It’s never too late to flip the script, to find what lights you up and chase it with everything you’ve got. I knew I was meant to do this the moment I realized that my story, my art, could actually make a dent, could connect, heal, and maybe even inspire someone else on their own journey.

So here I am, living proof that you can turn the page, start a new chapter, and maybe, just maybe, help someone else do the same. My journey from the bottom of a bottle to the canvas has been nothing short of a miracle. And if my story, if my art, can spark even a glimmer of hope in someone else, then I’d say that’s a pretty good day’s work.

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.

I’m Aaron Schmit, 34 years old, and the proud owner of Schminati Exclusive Artwork. As a nationally acclaimed paint artist, my creations adorn homes and businesses across 37 states in the nation. My journey into art took an unexpected turn when, in June of 2020, I picked up a paintbrush, marking the day I triumphed over alcoholism. Since then, I’ve remained sober, channeling my energy into my passion for art.

Being voted Vermilion County Illinois’ best local artist by 240,000 people was a humbling honor. My signature pieces, the ‘trash-flower’ portraits on canvas, are not made from trash but named after the challenges I faced when I painted the first one. These unique artworks, with varying color schemes, have found homes throughout the United States and even in British Columbia. Each piece comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.

My journey hasn’t been without hurdles. From ages 8 to 16, I battled over-prescription of Ritalin, and from 16 to 29, I struggled with alcoholism, losing dear ones along the way. Despite a near-fatal car accident in 2010, I emerged unscathed.

Entering the art business was a result of trial and error. I started by painting, selling, and refining my technique. Today, I provide acrylic paintings on canvas, murals, and various custom-painted items. What sets me apart is my use of metallics, iridescence, glitters, and blacklight-reactive paints—all meticulously blended to bring each piece to life.

My art goes beyond aesthetics; it serves as a source of emotional support. I’ve helped individuals navigate grief through my work, including a mural dedicated to a woman’s daughter who passed away at 19 in Indiana.

One of my proudest achievements in the three and a half years of painting is reaching art enthusiasts in Hawaii, Alaska, California, New York, and British Columbia. The fact that people invest emotionally in something I created is truly mind-blowing.

I want to emphasize the importance of self-improvement and resilience. ‘Do better every day’ is my motto, reflecting my commitment to continuous growth. In 1,199 days of sobriety, surrounded by supportive individuals, I’ve found strength and success. It all starts with you—taking charge, facing challenges, and pushing boundaries.

I am grateful for the journey, the support, and the incredible opportunities. Remember, it’s never too late to start anew and create a positive change in your life.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building a robust and engaged audience on social media has been a pivotal part of my journey as an artist. The strategy behind my success is straightforward yet profoundly effective. Initially, my primary platform was Facebook, which significantly contributed to reaching my target audience. The approach was simple: create and share content daily. Whether it was a group post, story, reel, or timeline update, I consistently showcased my artwork—regardless of its perceived quality. This relentless commitment to sharing allowed my work to be judged, appreciated, and critiqued by a wide audience, fostering a vibrant community around my art.

A key aspect of growing my social media presence was developing a thick skin against criticism. In the art world, it’s crucial to remain unfazed by negative opinions, focusing instead on the intrinsic value of your work. This mindset has been instrumental in my approach, allowing me to share my art without reservation.

Expanding my reach involved utilizing Marketplace ads to extend my audience across various states, leveraging the power of word-of-mouth, which has proven to be incredibly effective in driving sales. Additionally, I’ve embraced the importance of self-promotion by creating custom flyers featuring my artwork and distributing them across the internet. Recently, I’ve started exploring new platforms like TikTok and Instagram, recognizing the potential for growth and the importance of adapting to new mediums. This venture into new territories is exciting, albeit challenging, but I’m committed to the process, understanding that greatness takes time.

My journey on social media is a testament to the power of persistence, resilience, and innovation. As I continue to navigate and expand my presence across different platforms, I invite you to join me in this evolving journey. With every post, share, and interaction, we’re not just building an audience; we’re cultivating a community that appreciates the transformative power of art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Navigating the creative journey is a nuanced experience that often eludes the grasp of those outside the artistic realm. A pivotal aspect of this odyssey, which remains misunderstood, is the monumental achievement of having artwork recognized and appreciated across not just state lines but international borders. Such milestones, while not as quantifiable as traditional accolades like sports records, embody profound personal and professional triumphs. For example, the significance of my art being displayed in 37 states is a testament to its reach and impact, an accomplishment that is sometimes invisible to those who adhere to conventional definitions of success, including members of my own family.

The perception of artists by the non-creative community is another area of disconnect. Artists are often seen as operating outside the normative professional sphere, not bound to the routine of a 9-to-5 job but instead dedicating every moment to their craft, whether it be in studios, homes, or makeshift workshops. This relentless pursuit of creativity and expression is frequently undervalued, overlooking the profound ability of artists to evoke emotion and connect with individuals across vast distances through their work.

Moreover, the journey of personal transformation through art, such as my path to sobriety, is a dimension of the creative process that might be difficult for others to fully comprehend. The day I replaced alcohol with a paintbrush marked the beginning of a profound shift, not just in my career but in my life’s trajectory. This daily choice to choose creativity over addiction represents not just a victory but a complete redefinition of existence. Where once alcohol consumed every aspect of my life, now my passion for art fills that space, offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment that was previously unimaginable.

This journey is unique and deeply personal, reflecting the transformative power of art not only as a means of expression but as a tool for personal redemption and healing. My story underscores the fact that the value of art cannot be measured solely by conventional standards of success; it is also found in its capacity to change lives, including that of the artist. Each piece I create is not just a work of art; it’s a marker of my journey, imbued with a spirit of resilience and authenticity, backed by my own certificate of authenticity. This is the essence of what it means to be a creative in a world that often fails to see beyond the surface.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Schminati_exclusive_artwork
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/schminati

Image Credits
All myself. Made by me.