We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephen McNeely a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Stephen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
After being stuck behind a cash register for eight years just to pay the bills i found myself wanting more out of life. I knew I had something special to offer the world other than good social skills and a funny personality. After I sold my first piece of art I was hooked on the new path of creating work that made someone feel something and needed to acquire the work itself.
Stephen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Stephen McNeely musician, artist and illustrator. I was raised in Aurora Colorado and have lived in Los Angeles for about thirteen years. Ive been a huge fan of music my entire life and always preferred picture books growing up. Music and album art has always been a big deal to me. The way a album cover can accompany an albums overall feel and esthetic captivates me. When I moved to Los Angeles shortly after i began working at Soap Plant Wacko home of La Luz De Jesus Art Gallery. While working at the store I was exposed to all types of art and culture that inspired me to start taking my art serious. I started making dark erotic art and was given the opportunity to show my work at one of the group shows at La Luz. Currently I find myself being commissioned to create album art for bands in the Death Metal genre and I have been printing my artwork on clothing and creating custom one of kind pieces as well. As a Illustrator I help bands with album cover compositions, logos and band merchandise. I love to help bands/clients bring their concepts to life. Wether i’m making album art or a custom piece of clothing, a clients ideas can release hundreds of ideas into my imagination. I Love to collaborate with others you never know what you will learn. I’m very proud of the body of work i’ve created for myself and the skills I have to offer. All of my artworks and clothing can be viewed on my website stephenmcneely.com Thanks Canvas for your interest into my world!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Its hard not to make what you think the masses want. Currently i feel like success is measured by popularity in the social media age we live in today. From my experience when you make things you want to make it feeds your soul and career with much more longevity.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Support you’re creative friends, go to their shows, tell other people about them. If you hear of opportunities that might be beneficial for them tell them about it. Most artists appreciate support in any way shape or form. AI art is cool and all but it doesn’t have bills to pay and didn’t spend years developing a craft and style.
Contact Info:
- Website: stephenmcneely.com
- Instagram: @stephenmcneelyart