We recently connected with Shaquil Martin and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shaquil thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back I would’ve never stopped creating art as a hobby. I got back into art in 2020 after moving to Kansas City 6 months prior. I hadn’t even done a sketch since 2014 so I had fairly little optimism in my capabilities. Woodburning was my first venture and looking back I realize had I kept drawing/sketching on the side not only would my skills be more technically sound but my confidence would be up! It took about 2 years in until I really had that feeling of I AM AN ARTIST. I can almost see a timeline that would put me at the level I’m at now about 3 years ago.

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

My name is Shaquil Martin, I’m originally from Cleveland Ohio and currently reside in Colorado Springs, CO. I’m a carpenter by day and artist at night. As a kid I would stare at the pictures and paintings my parents had around the house and would always get lost in them. From elementary school and on art and more specifically drawing would become something I couldn’t live without. Due to the fact of becoming an adult at 18, I gave up the idea of being an artist to focus on finding a trade and being able to take care of myself. For about 7 years I hadn’t even done a doodle much less actually create art (outside of my work as a carpenter). In January of 2020 after living in Kansas City, MO for about 6 months I jumped back in with the urge to merge my skills and I began my business making custom wood burned art. I started off with just custom portraits/logos or my own original artwork burned on a basic 1/4” thick sheet of plywood cut to size. Fast forward 3 years and I now paint with oils the majority of the time and my woodburning work has been incorporated with my carpentry skills to create custom wooden tables with wood burned art and almost anything the client desires. I focus mainly in portraits but recently discovered I enjoy painting landscapes just as much. I’m self taught and still very hyped up about being able to overcome my fear of paint. That experience made me strongly believe that with consistency there is no ceiling to what I’m capable of. I take art very serious to the point that I don’t put effort into marketing and only create 1 of 1 pieces. I believe that if my works are up to par with any potential clients standards, then it should speak for itself. If not, that means I’m not putting in the necessary effort and lack a certain quality that should always be present. The intent that I have when touching any canvas is strong, sincere, free flowing and I treat every piece as if it may be the last I get to create.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to really let go of the idea that someone must teach you in order for you to learn. I used to think that I had to I go to a certain school or be under an accomplished artist to be able to paint. For my entire life I was afraid of paint. I didn’t understand it and only felt confident with a medium that was rigid and tough when it hit the canvas like pencils or chalk. Once I realized that if I can do all these different dangerous tasks on constructions sites or in shops on my own then painting should be just another day. I proved myself once I let go of that “someone has to show me” mindset and let my mind go to work on its own.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I love my hometown Cleveland, Ohio. Born and raised there and spent the first 7 years of my adult life there. I believe my ability, creativity and drive was all cultivated in the city but I knew it was time for a change. I hadn’t touched art in years and had no clue that the passion I had for it would be reignited soon after moving to Kansas City. The love for art in Kansas City was something unexpected and special and I’m thankful that I took the chance on moving there!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @colddigit
• Facebook: Shaq Martin
• Other: Tik Tok @colddigit