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

Sergio, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I lived in Mexico City until I was 16 when I moved to Chicago. During my childhood I did not understand that someone could actually become an artist and actually have a career in art. Although I saw a lot oaf art in Mexico, I never met a practicing artist. When I immigrated to the US with my family, I found in art an escape from my communication barrier. I did k=not know the language and art was a way for me to connect with kids in my high school. But it really was until I graduated high school that my HS teacher asked me the questions that would change everything for me. He said, “Sergio, you have talent for art. Have you considered an art career?” That was the question that for me opened my eyes. Do you mean I could actually do this for a living? I asked. That was the moment I decided art was going to be my life. I went n t college and graduate school to study art and design. Along the way my passion for the business of art grew into my desire to open my own art gallery and become an art curator.

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

After I finished grad school, I realized I need to set up an art studio. Given my early interest for the business of art, I also thought about starting an art gallery business. However, I did not have the funding or the expertise to do so on my own. So , I asked 3 friends if they would join me in starting an art gallery. They agreed and in 2004, we opened the doors for the first time. Working in the gallery gave me an opportunity to learn more about the business of art. In 2010, a curatorial opportunity at the national level opened up for me at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago and I took it. This gave me an opportunity to work with high level international artists and other people in the creative industry. Eventually, I also become sole proprietor of 33 Contemporary Gallery and starting helping more and more artists find exposure and opportunities for their art. That is when I realized, most artists struggled with branding, marketing, and business tool to manage their art career. As a result, in 2017, we opened the Art NXT Level program. An online coaching program to help artists from around the world remove the guessing out of growing their art career. My wife, Dr Yanina Gomez, a psychologist and I joined our expertise to provide a platform and a community for artists to grow and succeed together. Over the last few years, the Art NXT Level program has helped thousands of artists worldwide become better at marketing their art and building a sustainable business. Building a a supportive community has been one of our most exciting and rewarding projects.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I belive there are two types of people. The first, waits for opportunities to come his/her way. The second, gets up and makes opportunities for himeself/herslef and others. When I decided to open up a gallery and go into the curatorial business, I realized that I was at a big disadvantage. I did not have money for a start-up, I did not have a network of influencers, I was an immigrant and English was my second language. Plus, I had never taken a business class of any kind. That was my list of obstacles. The only thing I had was I was not afraid to ask and knock on doors. The first call I made was to a good friend who I went to collage with had graduated ahead of me. She was already in the art world and was my only contact. I just called to ask her a question. I was looking for a place to open an art gallery in Chicago. Of course, I could not afford a big rent just a small space. She then pointed me in the direction of two international artists who just purchased a 40,000 SF building to open an art center. The Zhou Brothers were already international successful artists. She gave me their number to call and I build up the courage to call and ask for a meeting. That call led me to become one of the first artists of the Zhou B Art Center in late 2004. That phone called changed everything for me. I was not asking for a free handout. I was just asking for directions. That is the story of my life. Looking for the next logical step to do the very next thing that makes sense only in the present moment.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best thing society can do to support artists and creatives is to engage and not fear creatives. Often, I find people feel art is out of their reach or that is elitist. They fear going o art galleries or events because they may not know the history or the understanding of art. I belive both the artist and the public at large can walk towards each other one step further. Each step getting us closer to more opportunities, community, collaborations and mutual respect. Appriaching art and artists without fear or judgement, is the first step to achieve this proximity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sergiogomezonline.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergiogomezart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergiogomezart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiogomezprojects/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sergiogomezart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sergiogomezvideo
• Other: https://www.theartistnextlevel.com

Image Credits
All art images by Sergio Gomez. Head shot by David Sabat