We were lucky to catch up with Cinque Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cinque, thanks for joining us today. Are you 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?
I have had the ability to create a space to where my creativity has enabled me to make a full time living off of my craft. It wasn’t an easy road by any means and to some degree it still isn’t. I worked tirelessly and diligently from 5 to 10 hour days everyday since I was a youth. You add up the man hours over the course of 30 plus years, and you have accumulated a dynamic work ethic. There was no sped up process to my path that doesn’t exist, furthermore that’s a man made concept. Hard work plus talent, and a little luck will get you in the door. After that it’s all about your work ethic and for me that coupled with style and technique, and how well your interpersonal skills are.
Cinque, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m originally from Dayton Ohio and I’ve always been creative. I was mesmerized by animation, comic books, film, noir, music, photography, and fashion. I rigorously study various genre’s of art so that I’m not pigeonholed into crafting from a space of bordem and isolation. If I’m not elevating and evolving every 3 to 6 months then there is a misstep. You have to stay ahead of yourself, be humble, hungry, while allowing oneself to embrace your inner beauty and creativity. My style is ever evolving yet I specialize in mural work, conceptual abstract Realism, and illustration. Most of my clients will pick from one of the various styles i use and typically we collaborate in coming up with a concept that fits what they are looking for. What sets me apart from others is my style, timing, consistency, and relatability . Making those whom have supported, and who continue to support me proud. That is my greatest gift.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to share my life story and others that I have encountered on my journey, through story telling in my work.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I really looked at and studied others social media accounts to see what worked and didn’t. I initially flooded my page with art because i had no sense of vision and direction yet. I learned to cultivate my following thru trail and error. My advice would be to anyone looking to create and or build a following is to just to be yourself and have fun! Remember that you are on the public stage and be careful of what you say and how you want to be portrayed. You not only represent yourself, but those around you and your family on these public platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thegalleryofcinque.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: @cinqueart
