We were lucky to catch up with Matthew Schultz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Matthew , thanks for joining us today. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Well, my name is Matthew Dean Schultz, I go by Dean Schultz. I’ve been pursuing my art career for most of my life. My career choice stems from a family of artist that encouraged me as a child to be an artist. As an adult I mostly do commission portrait art and tattoo full time at Enigma Tattoo Shop, and I guess spot at a friend local shop called ONYX DAGGER.
Matthew , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Dean, I specialize in realism charcoal portrait art and tattoo art portraits. I mostly service commission portraits of family members that have passed and creating fresh detailed recreation of old photos or creating a timeless black and white drawing if color photos. Most of my work can be viewed on my social media platform as in Instagram @deanschultz31.
My most proud moments are when I get to see the reaction of a client’s face when they see their photo come to life in charcoal form or in tattoo form.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Being an Artist had its perks like having the option to be creative and express yourself I’m multiple ways.What I’ve learned over the many years I’ve been in the field is that it takes alot of effort to create your own lane. With the field of Tattoo or Commission charcoal drawings being over saturated with a variety of people, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. Having resilience and longevity will help people get to know you and your craft and show that you are dedicated to your craft.
I remember first starting tattooing and being turned down or looked over for the first year because of being an amateur. That would make someone quit. I chose to continue pursuing the art knowing that eventually I would be were I strived to be. It took alittle longer than I thought but I eventually got there. Making a local name for myself.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is simple that, being creative. I enjoy being able to express any emotion I am feeling. Taking the ups and downs of life and putting that into my work when in comes to my drawing art… With tattooing I enjoy giving people art that they carry with them for life. Making someone happy in the moment when they’re satisfied with their body art. Then also seeing those people years later in some cases and they still feel happy they got a tattoo from me. Those moments are pretty nice.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photography: @b4flight.eth