We were lucky to catch up with Sergio Navarrete recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sergio, thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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 believe learning is a continuous journey for everyone. As creatives, we constantly evolve, influenced by our moods, favorite artists, and the urge to experiment with different mediums, which prompts us to adapt and refine our styles. Through persistent practice, we hone our craft and deepen our understanding.

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

I specialize in graphite art, encompassing a wide range of subjects, including sports athlete illustrations, portraits, and my personal favorite, pin-up art. With over 30 years of experience, my artistic journey began like many others’, with doodles in my youth. While I’m not a full-time artist, I dedicate my free time, mostly weekends and evenings during the week, to my craft. Running a small construction company in Austin, Texas demands the majority of my time.

In Austin’s vibrant art scene, dominated by acrylics and bold colors, my graphite work stands out. Despite time constraints, I take pride in consistently producing pieces and finding joy in the creative process. For me, it’s akin to a therapeutic session. While I may not always keep up with trends or actively promote myself, I’m content with where I stand in my artistic journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Engaging with fans or strangers who pause to appreciate my artwork is always a highlight. Then, there’s the sense of achievement when completing a piece. I strive to infuse every detail possible into my art, a process that occasionally demands a level of patience. When I start feeling weary, I step back, taking a break for a day or two, sometimes even weeks before returning to continue. Completing the drawing is undeniably the most fulfilling moment, often celebrated with a special dinner as a reward.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My current occupation is as the owner and operator of a small construction company. The ultimate aim for this venture is to nurture its success to a point where I can sell my stake in 5-7 years and fully immerse myself in a career as an artist. There are moments when I ponder whether I should have taken the leap into being a full-time artist earlier, but my duties as a husband and father at the time demanded that I prioritize honing my skills in construction. Despite this, I consistently dedicate time to my art, studying the journeys of fellow artists who have made the transition to full-time, and learning from their experiences. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with incorporating vibrant colors into my work, aspiring to create a dynamic portfolio. My objective is clear: to establish myself as a full-time artist within the next 5-7 years.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: sergnavarrete
• Facebook: sergio.navarrete.medina
• Twitter: serg_navarrete