We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matt Ortego. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matt below.

Matt, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

Truthfully, just support and understanding goes a long way. I never had to worry about what field I was in or any kind of pressure to be anything more than I am. It allowed me to flow into areas where I felt comfortable, like to film production, fine art, or graphic design. It was all a smooth transition. I always felt cared for even when I was shown where I was falling short. That is the kind of love I want to give back as well, kind but honest. I am very thankful.

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

I have been drawing and making art since I could remember. I was always around it growing up, being taken to museums, or art shows, etc. It felt like a natural path. Starting out in my teen years I used a lot of graffiti type materials and that influenced where I would take my art for about 10 years. It slowly evolved into watercolors, oils, and other mediums that would turn more graphic in nature over time. The comic books and pin company have just been recent dreams come true, through a lot of effort and hard work of course. Pinitch as been a fun project so far and I look forward to growing it as much as I can.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I remember a few times where I felt pretty beat down and like this kind of work isn’t serving me. But when art is built in to your existence, it always seems to come back stronger when there is any kind of set back, either from the art world or a more personal stand point. My first comic book, didn’t do well selling anywhere, but then I realized why I made it, and how much consistency is a factor in this world. Nobody is going to see your first few projects, but they will see the next ten of them. It’s opened my eyes to the idea of success is not measured by popularity or fame, it’s created over time through, hardships, getting back up and trying again, until it works. I have had a lot of pain in my life recently, and life just proves to me every time. I am on the right path, and I have a good heart, no matter what anyone says.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Artist, are by nature problem solvers. At least that is how I feel about it. We can strive in any creative environment, so if there is something you need done creatively, I am sure one of us can take care of it. Even if you hire an illustrator, or painter to do your interior design, I have confidence that it would come out looking great. We don’t have too many hang ups when it comes to creativity. I know, speaking for myself, if there is something I want to learn or be better at, it doesn’t take much time for me to accel at it, or that could just be the adhd.

Contact Info:

• Website: mattortegoart.com and Pinitch.com
• Instagram: mattortegoart and pinitchco
• Other: patreon.com/Mattortegoart