We recently connected with Cease Martinez and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Cease thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Yes I have been able to make a full time living off of my Art. Wether it’s a tattoo ,mural,airbrushing vehicles or a canvas I’ve been able to support my self . It wasn’t always easy no. There were times I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay the bills and at the time raising a family it was difficult but I was convinced that my art was good enough to take care of us and now myself. There’s was never a whole lot of support especially when bills needed to be met and there were remarks that what I was doing wasn’t a real job but nevertheless I didn’t give up I stayed persistent. In my line of work persistence and remaining humble is key. I guess looking back you could say I had a lot of faith in my abilities and I always made the best of every opportunity.. I definitely believe had I educated myself on the buisness end I could have sped up the process but I also believe that everything has it’s perfect time and believe this was the path I was supposed to be on.
Cease, 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?
Sure we’ll alot has changed since the first interview lol. Some good depends on how you look at it but to recap briefly Iam a self taught artist and my introduction to what I do now believe it or not was graffiti / street art. As a young kid I was determined to make it as an artist and the art form of choice at that time was aerosol . My father was unsupported and was convinced that what I did was a waste. That was what fuel my determination even more. After my first paying gig that was it I was set, today I have done work for multiple celebrities one of the murals that people know me from was one of Houston’s iconic murals downtown a tribute to Big Moe and Pimp C and currently up there now the tribute to Paul wall and Slim thug as well as the HTown wall. These were collaborative murals I did with some friends. I’m currently doing alot of airbrush work on cars and my lowrider as well is themed after Houston and has been seen all over Houston and recently on the news for the Cinco de mayo event that just passed. I don’t consider myself to be better then another artist because we all have our niche or style but I’ll say that I’m known for my realistic style. What I also love about painting is peoples reaction unless it’s a paid gig when I paint I paint for the people I love putting up work that creates background for people wether it be for photos, videography,etc it’s what gives me the most sense of accomplishment. I believe that it’s the audience,the people,the community that keeps your art alive even well after I’m gone. I’ve met some really awesome people on my journey. When creating something for a client it is my goal to create a piece that will generate the most traffic especially since now days it’s all about the post lol. The other thing that I pride myself on is being humble and greeting and conversing with any and everyone that I come in contact with. There’s nothing worse than approaching someone you admire or follow and they act like complete jerks I’ve experienced that myself and told myself if I ever have followers or fans that I’d never be that way and so far I’ve maintain that at least I hope lol. And to answer the question about what am I most proud of ,hmm that’s tuff I love everything I do but I guess right now I’d have to say there’s two ,the work I’ve recently done in Uvalde. It was another collaborative piece but had a huge impact. It was heartbreaking and a very emotional piece and I’ve been asked to go back to do another memorial piece and this will probably be an even bigger one then the last and as I’ve said before my father didn’t support what I did however today I’m proud to say that the VFW he is apart of commissioned me to paint a tribute to the veterans and gets to see my work everyday and now helps promote what I do every chance he gets.. What I come to realize is that what I do is a service that is for an audience, and it’s the audience that will share and promote and carry on what I do. If I painted inside my home and never shared what I do no one would see it so that alone helps me remain humble because without a following or a fan where would I be. For that I’m grateful to all who take the time to read this I thank you, to all who have purchased or hired me I’m thankful. Without them with out being humble and persistent and consistent I’d never be able to provide for myself full time and to be honest I fell like now I’m just getting started everything up till now was prep work.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission or goal is to show other aspiring artist or creatives that living off your talents isn’t impossible nor unachievable however doesn’t come easy. Through persistence and patience it’s attainable. Also educating yourself in areas that will help your journey is also a very important stepping stone. You don’t have to sacrifice who you are either to become a successful artist.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
What’s most rewarding for me is that when I reflect on the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met has all come from me doing what I love to do and that’s create, being an artist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: World_of_cease
- Facebook: Cease Martinez
Image Credits
Melanni Dearcos for the image of me