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

Ryan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Are you 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?

It definitely has been a journey, and I always held tight to the dream of being able to focus full-time on the work I’m passionate about. I’ve been an artist ever since I can remember, growing up with a very creative Mother who was an Interior Decorator, and a Father who was a full time professional illustrator and product designer for Disney Studios for many years. Additionally, my Step-Father owned his own business, so I’ve been able to learn a tremendous amount on the technical/logistical side of being self employed. In retrospect, the tougher times are really crucial in learning to really appreciate even the smallest opportunities, and learning to accept rejection, to learn and build from trials. I don’t think there’s any one way or formula to make it all work in this field, but I would say determination, ambition and hard work are a must. It can be tricky to balance the creative side, with the more logistical business side of things.

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

I’m a visual artist who specializes in creating murals, paintings and sculptures. The work I create is inspired by classic cartoons/animation, Abstract Expressionist painting, Pop Art, and philosophy. I work full time as a professional artist, doing large scale murals and commissions for corporate clients, hotels and private collections.
I’ve always wanted my work to have a positive and uplifting sensation, with also a sense of quiet contemplation for the viewer.
My work is not commercial in the sense that I’ve created a unique brand, and am commissioned to create work within this brand. There are occasions where color schemes, scale, overall goal of the work is discussed, and worked out with the client.

Have you ever had to pivot?

From 2003 through 2011, I worked full time as an artist assistant for artist Jeff Koons in New York City. It was an amazing opportunity, and I met some great people there many of whom I’m still good friends with. It offered a first hand glimpse into what being a successful artist at that scale looks like, and allowed me to live in NYC reasonably comfortably, have a studio in my apartment, and work on my own stuff in the off hours. Additionally, his studio was located in the Chelsea district, which was the hub of the art world at that time so there was the opportunity to view all the current shows and go to openings after work. However, working there was demanding time-wise, and I began to feel myself at a crossroads in my personal life/career. I was approaching my mid-30’s, had just gotten married, and felt a bigger pull than ever to want to pursue my own work full time.

My wife’s family lived in Atlanta, and I had gone to college in Atlanta, so it seemed like a logical choice as a way to escape the high cost and time-demanding life in NYC. We made the pivot, and before long I was able to begin focusing full-time to my work which has been amazing ever since.

Sometimes it requires a drastic leap if you want to pursue your passions full-time, like uprooting and moving to a place more financially conducive to taking chances.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Within the fine art realm, an invaluable resource I’ve found is working with and through Art Consultants for higher profile commissions and projects. Most of the larger commissions I’ve gotten have been through an Art Consultant, whom a client or Interior Designer will often entrust to presenting them artists work they think will fit with the project. It’s so important to maintain relationships throughout your career, and try and burn as few bridges as possible!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://ryancolemanstudio.com
• Instagram: @ryancolemanstudio
• Twitter: @ryancolemanart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQcaIhLSMgg9fcwfXwl_ATQ

Image Credits
Justin Bereman, Fredrik Brauer, Timothy Pethel