We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christian Burgos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi CHRISTIAN, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Growing up I have always loved animated fantasy content. Whether it be a television series or a short on YouTube, I always had an admiration for it. I would watch superheroes fly through the sky and giant monsters walk through populated cities and enjoy every second. It would draw raw admiration and pure desires of wanting to create my own universe of my own from a young age. I’d see comic panels online and wonder how on earth they created such detailed and personable characters that felt so real..that felt so human. I grew up very normal and was not drawing until I was in college trying to become something else that I enjoyed. Over time my desire to pursue my major wore off. This is all led to me realize my original passion would not work ethically for me to be able to survive our ever changing economy. Meanwhile also enjoying what I do as my livelihood so that I do not regret my life when I’m much older. I knew that in order for me to be truly happy with my life, I had to take the risk. The risk of learning how to truly draw, how to network, how to capitalize off of my art. I had to learn how to juggle exhibitions with doing pop up markets to sustain my work. How to travel and make these connections to further push my career forward. I had to fully dive into this knowing that if it didn’t work than I wouldn’t really know what else to do.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I go by GOS, a self taught digital illustrator based in the DMV. I create my work based upon my knowledge of the emotional spectrum, fantasy worlds, otherworldly beings, comic art and places I’ve been in my dreams. I had been sketching my whole life however once I quit my last 9-5 and dropped out of school, I had the idea to get an iPad and learn to truly draw. It took two years of trial + error for me to fully get comfortable with my art. I had to build the confidence to show my art to the public. Not because I was worried about what others thought but more so how I wanted to portray myself to the world. Of course my old pieces look drastically different from my new but I still love them as much my new work. Since the start I’ve created clothing, art prints, lighters, bags and more with my work. I have been accepted by the online art community worldwide just as much as my communities in DC and Baltimore. Due to the love of my communities I’ve been able to be in exhibitions all over the east coast, I have created album covers, book deals as the cover artist, I’ve had my work in the World Trade Center and on billboards. I feel that what sets me apart from the typical artist is that I am willing to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of traditional art that you would see in a museum. Of course I have love and admiration for those artists but my true passion of fire comes from comic artists. The artists behind some of my favorite characters of all time such as Jack Kirby, Jim Lee, Dwayne Mcduffie, Tradd Moore and Dan Mora. I’m proud to say that my nerd background in comics and love of music has led me to accomplish things I didn’t think I could and continue to accomplish. I strive to always break walls down and break the mold because I’m proud to show my mind to the world through my art.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What helped build my image and continues to is my work ethic, dedication to my dream and keeping my integrity. Trying to survive in today’s economy when it comes to art sales, is very difficult. It’s very much a “who you know” or connections journey just as much as it is a business journey. Two things I had to learn through trial & error, which can ultimately be the best teacher. I learned over time that my art is niche so I must be patient and understand that finding your audience takes times. That doesn’t mean change your style, which is something I pride myself on not doing, even if the journey is long I will stick to my style and simply evolve overtime like any artist. This same way of thinking I apply to my business transactions as well, I pride myself on making my art accessible to people of all audiences and backgrounds. Such as stickers and prints for those who can’t afford to spend top dollar on some of my fine art pieces that go on display in galleries. It’s helped me cultivate a following that truly supports me in all avenues whether that be pop up shops or opening receptions. I’m very proud of my journey and where it’s taken me thus far.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
As an artist, which is what I am first before anything else. It came naturally to me through gallery exhibitions, pop up markets and featured artist opportunities. Between various breweries being willing to work with me and the connections I’ve made through exhibitions I’ve been able to meet all kinds of people. Nowadays I rely heavily on doing art shows as it brings me that niche audience I am always looking for, the true art lovers that can appreciate my style for what it is. Those people who are willing to speak to me to hear about my journey and understand who I am as a person. It’s these conversations that bring my clients and I closer which ultimately leads to more people collecting my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artbygos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbygos_/
Image Credits
N/A