We were lucky to catch up with Rudy Meyer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rudy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I now earn a great living from my art, but it definitely didn’t start out that way. I began my art career at 40—pretty late, I know! For the first three years, I sold only three pieces, and those were to friends. It was tough and pretty discouraging. I gave myself one more year to make it happen; otherwise, I’d just paint on Sundays for fun.

Realizing I couldn’t rely on galleries or traditional routes (especially since I didn’t go to art school), I knew I had to find a new approach. So, I invested over 5-figures in coaches and mentors to learn about branding, marketing, social media, PR, sales—you name it. I adapted all that knowledge specifically to the art world because what works elsewhere doesn’t always work for artists.

That investment changed everything. I developed a system that boosted my reach and followers, built momentum, and allowed me to sell consistently week after week. This year alone, I’ve sold over 80 artworks! (and still 2 months to go!)

Looking back, if I’d known what I know now, I could’ve sped up the process a lot. The major steps were investing in myself, learning how to market my art, and embracing social media to share my work with a wider audience. I’ve even started a mentorship program to help other artists make a full-time living, grow their audience, build their brand, and sell consistently.

So no, it wasn’t smooth from the start, but by sticking with it and being willing to learn and adapt, I turned my love for art into the best career.

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

I’m Rudy Meyer, a contemporary pop artist originally from Cannes, France. My journey into art wasn’t exactly traditional. I didn’t go to art school; instead, I left formal education at 22 and started a company that focused on hunting, designing, and distributing products that weren’t just objects but carried deep stories and meanings—like lucky charms with captivating tales.

After selling that business, I spent about a decade traveling to over 120 countries. During those travels, I immersed myself in various art forms, constantly visiting museums, studios, and galleries. This global adventure shaped my self-taught approach to art.

Since 2019, I’ve dedicated myself entirely to creating art. My work primarily revolves around 2 series called Game Changers and Iconic Memories, featuring pop culture icons and beloved childhood characters like Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Lee, Pikachu, and Astro Boy.

What sets me apart is probably my unconventional path and the values I embed in my work. I believe in the power of discipline, creativity, and freedom. Each piece I create is not just about visual appeal but also about inspiring introspection and encouraging people to seek authenticity in their lives.

I’m most proud of connecting with people worldwide through my art. My pieces are now in private collections in over 30 countries.

I am also very proud of my new mentorship program to help other artists make a full-time living from their art. I want to share what I’ve learned to help others break free from the “starving artist” narrative.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Definitely! Looking back, I wish I had known the importance of investing in personal development and seeking mentorship earlier in my creative journey. In the beginning, I was so focused on just creating art that I overlooked the business and marketing side of things. I believed that if my art was good enough, galleries or collectors would eventually find me.

I wish I’d known about resources that teach branding, marketing, and how to effectively use social media tailored specifically for artists. Understanding how to build a personal brand and connect with an audience can make a huge difference. Also, being part of artist communities or networks where experiences and advice are shared would’ve been incredibly helpful.

Investing in coaches and mentors was a turning point for me, but I only did it after years of struggling. If I had sought out that guidance earlier, I could have avoided many setbacks and accelerated my progress. So, I definitely recommend other artists tap into these resources sooner rather than later.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The real turning point in my art career came when I recognized that many artists, myself included, weren’t educating themselves on how to take full responsibility for their careers. Too often, we rely on galleries and gatekeepers to pave the way. I decided to invest in myself—to learn everything I could about branding, marketing, and reaching my audience directly.

Making that investment compressed time for me. Instead of waiting years for opportunities to maybe come my way, I started seeing results much faster. By taking my life and career into my own hands, I was able to accelerate my progress and achieve the success I have today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rudymeyer.com
• Instagram: @rudymeyerstudio