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

Matteo , appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Working hard at whatever i’m doing has always been my main priority. Giving your best shot even just once at anything you want to try is worth doing. I’ve held several occupations of regular jobs throughout my life while being a creative on the side and has improved my work ethic no matter the task. In the recent years when I was able to fully commit to just painting and designing, I’ve taken the leap and no longer was worshiping at the altar of self doubt. Even presented with the challenges that come with each project, there is a comfort in knowing that a job I start will have a result that you can see and feel. Once I’m standing back looking at the finished piece, i’m happier than ever to call it my job.

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.

My name is Matteo Miles and I am a Traveling Muralist located in Greenville, South Carolina. I have been painting murals for about 4 years with 20 years of drawing experience. My work consists of a variety of subjects and styles ranging from chalk art to typography and realistic portraits. I have plenty of experience working on both exterior and interior walls of many types of surfaces and sizes up to 4 stories tall. Most of my work is found in hotels, restaurants and local businesses. I I enjoy learning new techniques and connecting with my clients to bring life into their space and a unique vision to the towns I visit and live in. I work by myself and like to maintain professionalism and efficiently to bring my work to life. I work well with other artists and have had collaborations on a few projects. My favorite process of my work is designing the pieces to fit the environment to last a lifetime. My main goal in my career is to license my original designs and travel the world to cultivate my work in other colorful communities.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think what non creatives struggle to understand is the amount of passion that is needed to create as well as being logistical about the journey. As an artist running a business for the work, you gotta be the maker, designer, PR, social media marketing, photographer, model, accountant, seller, inventory, and most importantly, the coffee maker. This is all important so that by the end of the day, the people see all that work in the piece you made for them in their home, in public or on their body. I think on the other side people can appreciate the passion of the maker.

Have you ever had to pivot?

For several years I was known to have about 3-4 jobs consistently before the age of 22. All still while struggling to make rent, I found myself being a bartender, teacher, funeral home attendant, and painter all in the same work week. I was just happy to be learning new skills and being busy. That’s the thing, I love “Being Busy”. It fed my validation monster. When I realized I wasn’t creating work as much, my passion took a back seat and I crashed the car. Making that pivot to a creative full time was such a great decision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.matteom.com/
• Instagram: @matteomilesmurals

Image Credits
Self