We recently connected with Joseph Trask and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joseph thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?

Earning a full-time living from my creative work has been an incredible journey, one that I had only dreamed of for years. I persevered through countless challenges while working jobs at major theme parks. During those years, I sold a few prints here and there, with the occasional painting every two years. But I knew deep down that my breakthrough would come, so I hustled and relentlessly refined my craft. It all started when people began to notice the vibrancy of my color palette, which beautifully complemented my abstract dancing figures. Slowly but surely, more sales started to come my way. Then people notice my other art style I have been doing since fifth grade. One where I play with basic and organic shapes and lines. It became a style where viewers saw both intentional and unintentional patterns, allowing them to connect with the art on a deeper level. This approach started gained popularity, and now I’m fortunate enough to sell something artistic every week.
Don’t get me wrong; this journey has demanded immense effort and dedication. However, the fulfillment of realizing a dream I’ve cherished since I was two years old makes it all worth it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always had a deep love for comics and animation, and my dream was to become an animator for Disney when I moved to Florida as a teenager. While Disney didn’t have an animation department in Orlando, I worked my way up from third-shift custodial work to doing creative projects for Walt Disney World, a journey that took many years to reach. Afterward, I ventured into other theme parks before finally having the fortune to become my own boss. Throughout this journey, I started my art business, which focuses on modern contemporary art, often featuring scenes of joy, dancing, and music. My flowing abstract figures seem to dance on and off the page, and I love playing with lines and shapes to evoke a sense of wonder and happy memories in people’s lives. As a person who worked at the theme parks I’ve learned the importance of a guest-first mentality, and I apply that to my art by connecting with clients and showing them how my work reflects their own moments of happiness. This comes in handy as one of resident artist at Cafe Tu Tu Tango in Orlando, Florida, What I’m most proud of in my artistic journey is that I never stop learning, trying, loving, or laughing with clients and random art admirers. I want everyone to know that they matter and are loved, whether they become clients, buy a painting or print, or simply appreciate my work. I owe my success to the incredible support of my audience, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs are an exciting and promising avenue for artists, offering unique possibilities. One of the standout features is the ability to create living, ever-changing artworks as NFTs. What’s even more fascinating is the opportunity to code it so that you receive a commission every time it changes hands, something that traditional art unfortunately doesn’t offer. In the traditional art world, artists have historically struggled as their original works are resold by patrons at higher prices after the artist gains popularity, leaving the artist without a share in those profits.

However, there’s a significant concern about the environmental impact of blockchains, and I have made a conscious decision to hold off on creating NFTs for now. It’s understandable, as sustainability is a critical consideration. Hopefully, as blockchain technology evolves and more eco-friendly options become available, I might reconsider. In the meantime, continuing to create art the traditional way allows me to express your creativity while being mindful of environmental concerns. It’s essential to make choices that align with my values and artistic vision.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Absolutely, supporting artists is such a meaningful way to enrich our communities. Creating art can often be a solitary endeavor, with artists spending countless hours in their studios or bedrooms, pouring their hearts and souls into their work. That’s why it means the world to us when people from the community show up to our shows and let us know that our art matters. Your kind words and encouragement are like a breath of fresh air after the long hours of creation.

Moreover, supporting artists financially by purchasing their work, whether it’s original pieces or prints, goes a long way. It’s a chance for you to have something truly unique in your home, something that reflects your individuality and doesn’t blend into the mass-produced art found in big box stores. Your support not only helps us pay the bills and sustain our livelihoods but also circulates money back into the community as we reinvest it. This, in turn, contributes to a vibrant local art scene, which benefits the entire community by providing regular events and adding a burst of color and creativity to our lives. So, thank you for being a part of this journey with us; your support makes a world of difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.surrealgod.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surrealgod/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surrealgod/