We were lucky to catch up with Craig Collins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Craig thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
My two most meaningful projects were working with two interior designers in NYC. One apartment was a penthouse in Union Square, the other was a beautiful place in Greenwich Village. i hadn’t worked with any designers before so it was challenging, but quite enjoyable . Both clients loved all of the pieces and were still in touch today.
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 a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends raw expression with urban influence. Primarily working in acrylic, I also incorporates oil sticks, pastels, and charcoal to create layered, emotive pieces. His long-term vision extends beyond the canvas through The Occasional Thief, a clothing brand merging art and streetwear. I have designed custom tees for Norman Reedus and several iconic New York City bars, and his painting work has been featured in campaigns for brands like Mountain Dew and Microsoft. my goal is creating a brand like Shepherd Fairy, but always creating one of a kind pieces.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
We need more Universal Basic Income or Guaranteed Artist Stipends: Stable income frees artists to take creative risks without the constant burden of survival.
• Grants and Fellowships: More accessible, inclusive, and well-funded programs for artists at all stages.
• Affordable Housing and Studio Space: Especially in cities where creatives are often priced out of the very neighborhoods they help make vibrant.
2. Cultural and Educational Infrastructure
• Arts Education: Strong, early, and ongoing arts programs in schools nurture future creatives and build a culture that values artistic thinking.
• Public Funding for Arts Institutions: Museums, theaters, galleries, and libraries need robust support to showcase diverse creative work.
3. Policy and Legal Protections
• Copyright Reform and IP Protections: Ensure artists retain fair control over and benefit from their work in the digital age.
• Support for Freelancers: Include creatives in labor protections like health care access, paid leave, and retirement options.
4. Community Investment
• Local Arts Councils and Residencies: Embed artists in communities through residencies, public projects, and local commissions.
• Public Art and Festivals: Celebrate creative expression in everyday life, building broader public appreciation and demand.
5. Access and Equity
• Dismantle Gatekeeping: Ensure funding, exposure, and representation are not limited by race, gender, geography, or class.
• Digital Platforms and Training: Help creatives navigate new tools and audiences while protecting their rights.
Ultimately, society thrives when artists are treated not as luxuries or fringe workers, but as essential cultural workers.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
in a nutshell, NFT’s came and went and seemed very sketchy to me. Digital currency is hard to deal with. i did like that the artist gets continually paid when it sells again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://craigcollinsart.com
- Instagram: @craigcollinsart
