We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeff Strong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jeff, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
When I started, there was a fair amount of information online about how to spray paint using layered stencils, though my exact method required gleaning bits and pieces, here and there. I had lots of technical hiccups learning file types, sizing, effective materials, etc. I created my first 8-10 pieces using an exacto knife to cut the image layers on hardstock. While meditative, it took forever. Frankly, it was the only way I knew how. Having my eyes opened to the joy of a Cricut machine was a game changer! Efficient speed and precision cutting allowed me to work much faster and in great detail. Essential skills in my opinion are an openness to learn, a willingness to explore, and most importantly, simply creating pieces that resonate with you. I’m still learning and have found a way to scale up with how I work and what I make. I now aim to figure out how to translate what I know to wall murals.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Jeff Strong — my artist name is Strongify. I’m a self-taught, spray paint/stencil artist who is new to the art scene.
I worked for Discovery Channel for 22 years as a Creative Director and, along the way, was afforded an opportunity to explore the world in a way few are. I’ve been drawn to the rawness and energy of street art and artists in every city I’ve visited; the authentic, unpolished nature of it speaks to me.
I’ve always painted and drawn large wall pieces in our home, in our garage, our unfinished basement. It was a creative outlet that found its way to any open wall eventually.
I always envisioned that one day I’d be doing murals for breweries and coffeehouses, and that they could pay me in beer and coffee and life would be good.
Drawn to amazing stencil artists’ work around the world, I challenged myself to start doing my own. I didn’t know what “my style” was when I began; then I read in Rick Rubins’ book, “The Creative Act,” which encourages one to consistently work his creative process to the end, no matter the field — one’s style eventually reveals itself. And mine has. I still craft one new piece a week.
I create street art that is a combination of spray paint, acrylics, and mixed media that reads as pop art – unique and vibrant. I cut the multi-layered stencils myself and spray paint the designs in my makeshift basement lab.
My brand is called Art For Dudes, because it’s really just dude art, and the world could use more.
My originals are the alchemy of street artistry and unyielding immaturity. Pizza eating octopi. Skyscraper-scaling kitty cats. Funky-chic space vixens. A superhero having a cheat day with a doughnut.
My work comes to life on a variety of materials including stretched canvas, wood, metal, albums, skate and snowboard decks, and subway tiles.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
There are two, deeply fulfilling rewards I get from being an artist. The first is enjoying the delight of someone responding to a piece of my art, whether it’s a laugh or an exclamation like “Yes! My brain responds to all of this!” I love when a customer flips through a bin of my prints with a friend, pulls one out, and either cracks up or simply says, “I have to have this.” Seeing which pieces get the most response is like an instant, unofficial focus group. The subjects that get the most traction are likely the ones of which I’ll craft more iterations.
The second most rewarding aspect has been to have found such an immediate connection with the art communities where I live, the amazing makers and artisans who have become fast friends. There is a total willingness to trade tips, insights and everything they’ve learned to help another artist. It instantly inspired me to do the same.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Currently, my art career is a side hustle for me. But the goals I initially set for myself keep evolving as this fire within drives me to meet them. Yes, I have my sights on profit, but also collabs, partnerships, new mediums and, overall, stretching my comfort zone and my craft. Without these markers, I would enjoy folks buying my art, but not be as inspired to propel myself this consistently. One book I can’t recommend enough is “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield. It actually has very little to do with art and everything to do with reaching your full potential, no matter your endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Artfordudes.com
- Instagram: @strongify
- Facebook: Art For Dudes
