We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marcello Pope. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marcello below.
Alright, Marcello thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
No doubt being a full-time creative has been one of my greatest challenges, but I love the pursuit of living out my dreams and living within my purpose. Even with a business degree I find myself relying on different strategies, networking relationships, and faith to manage the everyday trials of being a business owner. My artistic practice provides purpose and meaning to my life, but it hasn’t always been a smooth ride. After graduate school, during COVID a curator friend of mine opened up her garage as an exhibition space to get back to a sense of normalcy. To my surprise, the show was a success. It was the moment I needed to make the decision to pursue a career full-time as a creative. I had plenty of new work, tenacity, and was hungry to attempt what many discouraged me to do, become a working artist. In business timing is everything, I had just finished graduate school with two master’s degrees, published my first poetry book, and convinced my newlywed wife now is the perfect time to pursue art full-time. Looking back, there isn’t much I would change except saving money for additional help in the areas that aren’t my strength like marketing. If I could tell my past self anything it would be set aside money to pay for your growth, which will inevitably include the collaboration of other creatives and business people.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a human being, a creative, artist, writer, proud husband, and father. Simply put, I am a person who sees creativity as a super power. After realizing I wanted to pursue art, I took to the streets working as an intern, at nonprofit art organizations, and submerging myself in books and people who were creating and producing art. I latched onto people who were connectors and influencers in the community, those who could mentor me on how not to waste time and where to look for support within the community. Initially, I entered into juried exhibitions until I reached a point where my artwork had a particular style that was recognizable.
My experiences helped to shape and cultivate into providing commission works, murals and installations, to design work like logos and clothing designs. As a visual storyteller, what I do best for clients is create original works that provide a clear narrative and messaging in my unique style of art. I operate from both the right and left side of the brain, and as a writer I have the unique ability to communicate ideas in a simple yet profound way. At this point in my career I am most proud of the positive impact I’ve been able to make, the amount of respect and admiration is humbling. It is a great feeling to know a client is calling because they appreciate your work, but they have been referred by another client, friend, or someone who saw your work in passing. I am of the belief your reputation should supersede you.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I am on a mission to first do God’s work by highlighting my talents and gifts to celebrate and inspire others. No matter how big or how small a project, I want clients to know I put my all into everything I do. There is a level of gratitude that comes with being a creative, as well as a vision you must have for your future.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
A lesson we can learn from a creative struggles is the need to create oftentimes with limitations in funding, space, or business acumen. Creativity by nature explores and attempts to break certain rules. When creativity is maximized in business we get a company like Apple, which was born out of a garage. Most creatives beginnings are humbling, because products are the outcome of one’s imagination. Although, we all have an imagination very few are willing to risk failure to see something manifest, and even less are willing to accept the rejection that makes one’s art authentic. Therefore, creatives need support initially, not because they are dreamers, instead creatives need to create which takes investment and resources. So, for the “non-creative” investing in the tangible resources is as important as investing in the creative’s dream. Invest in the operations of a creatives business and watch them grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Marcellopope.com
- Instagram: Marcellopope
Image Credits
Marcello Pope