We were lucky to catch up with Oscar Gomez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Oscar, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

I’m not sure I could just be a creative. I need to have a 9-5 to keep the balance in ley life. And also the BENEFITS! Entering 2023 I quit my job and decided to give being a full time creative a shot. It latest 8 months, art was not fun for me anymore I need to step back and not look at as a job. I went back to work. I couldn’t see m myself being creative full time. I would fall into melancholy feeling periodically and it would effect my work. either good bro bad. the time I took off wasn’t all bad, I did start my brand , my creative business and also managed to get my skateboard decks sold into stores by doing all the footwork needed to succeed. In the process I managed to land a job where I could manage to do both my artwork, manage my small business do mural work and also actually work a 9-5. I notice that I do better work when my mind is always occupied, be it a t work or in my art. I feel ii made the right decisions to succeed in this industry.

Oscar, 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?

Growing up in Pilsen, Chicago Art came natural to me growing up reading and drawing comic books, I would draw Spiderman and transformers. As I got older I got into breakdancing and graffiti in the early 80’s. I fell in love with writing on walls and Running tracks as a kid. the adrenaline of getting up and looking at my name painted in a wall or train that was at least 4 – 5 ft tall was euphoric. and it was addicting. I was spend all my teenage years writing on wall and doing murals. to the point where I got kicked out school for doing that. bad decision at theme but I felt I needed to to what I had to get my name out. going all city and getting that respect from the graffiti Community was everything to . As I got older that of course changed. I knew I wanted to be a creative, In 2014 I graduated from VCU ( Virginia commonwealth university) with a B.A in graphic design, Marketing and a minor in 3d animation. IN 2016 I stared my first graphic design co ( DTALEZ DESIGNZ) an also a started the brand { THREE ONE TWO) 312 which was a nod to Chicago. The business was doing well but due to some issues I had put that in hold and get back to my 9 t0 5. I stopped creating for 6 years. 2020 was the year I started to get that creative itch. I started of doing some pieces that where getting noticed by artist here in SACRAMENTO, and in the summer of 2021 I was invited to be part of my first art show and have been in the SACRAMENTO art seen ever since. in 2023 I started my new brand ( ALL IN THE DTALE). All in the DTALE, is a graphic design co, that specializes in logo design, but is mostly focused in skateboard deck design and t-shirt design. I launched my first deck in 2023 and its being solid 4 stores two which are local. Ive been very blessed to be doing the one thing I love.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Right now I’m focused on getting DECK THE WALLZ916 organaztion up and running with help from my friends , Marie Thomas and Veronica Kovats Sanchez. DECK THE WALLZ 916. Started off as a idea I had to do an art show using skateboard decks as a canvas. It was a different medium for artist to work on t get out of the regular canvas or mural work they’re a custom to. Last years show was a big success and we decided to run it back for 2024. In the process we as a collective are working into turning DECK The WALLZ 916 into a non profit organization that will give back to the community through our art and h lo build a a bigger community for skate boarding and art.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me was when, I was asked to teach a graffiti class to 6,7,8th graders at the Language academy of SACRAMENTO. As a kid I would always get in trouble.I’m class or with my parents and they would say I would get far painting graff, so that feeling I got when I was teaching was a validating to me. It’s been a part of my life for over 30 years and and I’ve always stayed true to myself and my art….

Contact Info:

• Website: allinthedtale.com
• Instagram: d_tale_3
• Other: @deckthewallz916 deckthewallz916@gmail.com

Image Credits
Black and white picture photo taken by (Sly Espinoza) @aslyfilm Aslyfilm.com