We recently connected with Scott Gilday and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Scott thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

While trying to break into the art world and learn how the industry works as a whole, because I had no clue on what I was doing. Then discovering the “pay to play” system the art world is ran by. I found to be disheartening when around every corner or any opportunity I wanted to participate in someone needed $10-$150 just for a chance, to get my artwork and name in front of people but not guaranteed a spot because a person or person that never met me and I’ve never met or talked to whether it’s a juror, curator, event coordinator turns down my application without letting me why, while still taking my money was and is very deflating and frustrating. Unfortunately these are not something that can really be resolved or avoided the trick is  to be more selective of the types of shows, galleries, and events you apply to that fits your art, style,  and target demographic and to keep at it, don’t give up, eventually someone will give you a chance and when it happens it’s amazing but then the real work starts by networking with anyone and everyone, being present in the moment because the next opportunity might be in the room your standing in.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m Scott “SG” Gilday a self-taught artist originally from Steubenville, OH. but have been living and working out of Pittsburgh, PA since 1999. Growing up in the punk rock scene, I’ve been producing art in many forms throughout the years bringing the DIY ethos of the punk lifestyle into my art no matter what the project is.  Starting with I try to make everything I possibly can myself in studio (common materials Excluded) so that every piece of art or product that someone purchases from SG Artworx came directly from my hands whether its printing, cutting, manufacturing products like sticker packs, vinyl decals, photo prints, t-shirts, or glassware. These days my primary focus is acrylic paintings of many subjects for many reasons depending on the piece in front of me.

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

My art is inspired by so many different things that it could range from politics, an emotion, something silly and fun just to bring you a smile or a giggle, or even just a concept just to see what it makes you think of just start a conversation. Because after all I believe that conversation is where real change begins and is an art form in itself, and sadly it seems to be the fastest dying art form there is anymore. Whenever I’m asked about style my art is I typically answer with what I call “Billy Madison” I paint blue ducks because I want to see a blue ducks.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I decided to pursue art full time I knew that being told no was going to be something that I would have to deal with. So I decided from the very start that I would be refuse to let the answer no get me down and look at it as their loss

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sgartworx
• Facebook: @sgartworx 2.0

Image Credits
Scott Gilday Jax Ramos