We were lucky to catch up with Sydney Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sydney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In January of this year, I took the biggest risk of my life. I did a complete 180 with my career, quitting my corporate job as a scientist in pharmaceutical development to pursue my passion and figure out what I truly want to do. This meant abandoning the scientific field I spent years studying and working in.

I’ve always struggled to know what I wanted to do, and college was no exception. Like many young adults, I went to college because it seemed mandatory for success. I chose my college based on swimming, which had been my goal since I started swimming competitively at eight. After committing and getting a scholarship, I picked my degree without much thought, assuming it would work out. I ignored signs of struggling, studying constantly for average performances, and feeling lost almost all the time. Through school and college, I took art classes to relax, enjoy myself, and because I was good at it, but I never thought it could be a career.

After two years of working in the lab, I knew it wasn’t for me. The realization hit me during a performance review where I received a satisfactory rating. I wasn’t doing extra work, excelling, or being a standout team member. I’ve always prided myself on working hard and giving my all, whether in swimming, school, or anything else, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about the job.

Meanwhile, I painted murals on the side. Though the jobs were infrequent, whenever I got a mural job, I became obsessed. I researched, troubleshooted, and worked long hours, feeling overwhelming pride when it was done—the same feeling I had after swimming an amazing race.

That’s when I decided to make a change and pursue my passions. I’m in my experimenting phase and loving it. I’m building my mural business and started a painting party business with a friend. I’m working as an Aquafit instructor and a personal swim trainer at my gym, having the time of my life.

I’m working harder and more hours than ever, learning everything about being a freelance creative and small business owner, and helping people achieve their fitness goals. It’s so fun it doesn’t feel like work. At the end of the day, I’m exhausted in the best way. Maybe the titles of muralist and Aquafit instructor don’t sound as “successful” as scientist, but I feel closer to my goals and, for the first time in a while, am excited for the future.

Sydney, 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?

My name is Sydney, or Syd the Muralist. As the name suggests, I am primarily a muralist. I’ve been an artist my whole life, and while being stuck at home during Covid, I painted my first mural and fell in love with the art form. Murals transform a space on such a large scale and can truly draw a person in. I love creating murals that reveal more details the longer you look at them. The entire process—from concept to mockup to the finished product—is incredibly enjoyable for me. I paint murals, windows, and logos for businesses and homes. Coming from a background in a large corporate environment, I have a deep appreciation for working with small business owners and individuals who want to enhance their spaces with art. I love getting to know people personally, understanding what they value, and incorporating small details that make the mural unique to them.
In addition to murals, I am the co-founder of a painting party business called Canvas and Company, which hosts intimate painting parties aimed at curating memorable experiences and meaningful conversations through art. My business partner and I set a beautifully arranged table with all the supplies needed for a painting party, along with thoughtful details that create an inclusive and peaceful atmosphere where conversation and creativity flow. I lead the classes while my partner assists the guests, and it has been incredibly fun and rewarding to share my painting process with others. In the end, all the pieces turn out so different, which speaks to human nature as we can all see the same reference and create something unique to the individual.
I am in the business of art, but what I really love about it is the people. I define a great day by the conversations I have, and being in this business leads to captivating and inspirational interactions. Whether it’s meeting a family who owns a small car repair shop and helping them proudly display their mission statement on the wall or a new mom who wants custom nursery, I find inspiration in the people I work with and strive to channel that into my work. My motto is, “It’s your space, your story. Let’s paint it together.”

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Some books that have truly inspired me to pursue my passion, define my goals as an entrepreneur, and shape the person I want to be are “Mastery” by Robert Greene, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, and “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. I also listen frequently to the podcast “Modern Wisdom” by Chris Williamson which interviews highly successful and interesting people whose lessons can translate to creatives as well.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is putting something positive into the world that did not exist before. I trust that by following my passion and creativity, the universe takes care of me. In a world where money drives everything, it can be hard to put a value on art. As the artist, it can take the enjoyment out of it if you let it. When I think about it in terms of putting my best out there and making as much art as I can, the money comes secondary and often is more plentiful than when chasing it.

I also love when a random connection or conversation becomes a job. Sometimes it takes a few months, and then something unexpected pops up and leads to work. I like to think of these moments as little seeds that grow and bloom at just the right time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sydthemuralist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syd_the_muralist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SydtheMuralist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-smith-390617199/
• Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/wi/madison/mural-painter/syd-muralist/service/506369687945502724