Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pasquiat Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Pasquiat thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I’ve been a creative person since a child. I would draw shoes, super heroes, jewelry, and more. When I got to my senior year in high school, I had an art class with a teacher by the name of Patrick Burton. In this class I learned many things like different painting techniques, how to store paint, different styles (or eras) of painting, how to mix colors, etc. After I graduated high school in 2013, I stopped painting completely. It was not until 2021 when my son was interested in the characters from the movie Spawn and I told him that I could draw the characters. I went to the art supply store and bought a bunch of paints, brushes, a light box, and more. From then, I have not stopped painting and plan to paint for as long as I can.

I think my process could’ve probably been sped up had I not stopped painting after high school. I also most likely would know more and progressed more in the painting scene in Detroit, but everything happens for a reason. Some things I might not have learned had I continued to paint. Who Knows?

The skill that I think is most essential is learning to lay the paint. Depending on the type of painting that you want to create, the paint cannot just be thrown onto the canvas or wall. In my opinion, for the painting to look cohesive, the paint has to be smooth.

My mindset stood in the way of learning more. I had no clue that I could be an artist and eventually take care of my family from art. I was under the impression that an artist was not a real job. If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve been painting all along.

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

I’m a very cool, calm, laid back, and open-minded person. I was born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit, Michigan. I feel that the characteristics that I named are what got me into the art game. That is exactly how I feel about art and when I’m creating art. Everything just seems to flow to and for me–the ideas, clients, etc.

I’ve always been into art, but I didn’t really learn the technical part of it until high school and I didn’t start to put myself out there as an artist or even sell my art until November 2022. November 2022 is when I first filmed myself painting and posted it on social media. It reached lots of people–more than I expected. Then one of my Facebook friends told me they would buy my art and it’s been uphill from then.

I bring a breath of fresh air to businesses and homes. I can take a blank wall and turn it into something spectacular. My art helps people remember their experiences. It brings an inviting, personalized, and sometimes intimate feel to someone’s home. My creativity is what sets me apart. Everything from the idea of the design, paint colors, and what I want people to feel when they walk in and see it, is well thought out.

I am most proud of myself for not quitting. It is not easy to just put your art or any work out in the world. I feel that I used to worry about what people would think–whether I would get a good reaction or if people will hate it. I’ve learned that it does not matter what other people will think. It matters that I’ve done my best and that someone will be interested. I am proud to be the person that people call on when they think of art.

I want potential clients to know that my work is top quality, eternal, and can be kept and passed down for generations.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that my time is spent doing what I want to do. I enjoy the time I spend on my work. I am able to make my schedule and ration my time the way I want. Another rewarding aspect is that apart of me is within every art piece even if it does not relate to me at all.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

The one thing I can think of is when non-creatives think that they can bring an inspiration photo or an exact image and think that I can or should recreate it exactly as the original. In my opinion, art is not set up that way. Inspiration photos help because it gives me an idea of what you want or are looking for from me, but it will never be the same as the original nor will I try to make it the same as the original. I’ll always put my spin on it. That is what makes it art and what makes it unique.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pasgallery.square.site
• Instagram: @_pasquiat
• Facebook: Pasquiat Smith

Image Credits

SDP Trip
Slothman Visuals