We were lucky to catch up with Thaddaeus Arvie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Thaddaeus, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have been knowing I wanted to be an artist since I can reply to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up”. But I did not know exactly what kind of artist. Being that there were no representation of successful professional artist where I’m from, it really wasn’t until I attended Grambling State University between 2006-2011, where I truly learn that I wanted to pursue a visual/public art career. It wasn’t until 2015, two years after I moved to Houston,Tx when I actually actively started pursuing a creative career.

Thaddaeus, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Louisiana native, 10 year Houston creative. I received my Bachelors of Fine Arts from Grambling State University in Fall 2011. I like to consider myself a mix-media craftsman, and I have gained experience in creating large scale murals, installations, abstract home decor, nightclub props and much more. I have work featured in Atlanta,Ga, and all over Southern Louisiana and Houston, TX.

This artistic journey is not an easy one and I have had a lot of ups and downs. I am proud that I did not quit. During this journey I have picked up many skills and I can offer my clients a one stop shop of creativity. I often help my clients come up with original designs, and then I bring it to life for them using a variety of materials.
I have found a niche in working with night clubs in Houston Tx to create unique experiences for there patrons. I love working in this space because it allows me to reach and inspire thousands of viewers every week.
I have also been working on a lot of commissioned public murals in Houston and around Louisiana. Painting murals aren’t as glamorous as it seems but the hard work that goes into it is so fulfilling. I appreciate doing public work also because the entire city gets enjoy and be inspired by my work.

I love helping my clients bring there vision to life however I can.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for myself is that I was blessed to know exactly who I am and exactly what my purpose is in life. I feel grateful that I have something to offer in this world to help make it a little. Being a creative makes me feel like I’m somebody.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that I had to unlearn is that some circles aren’t meant for you to fit into. Coming up in this industry you start to see who are the major players in the game. I often found myself trying so hard to be apart of these people’s circles. Because being part of there circles meant more eyes on me and more opportunities to grow. But as time went on, and the more I tried to be apart of some of these circles, I was constantly rejected, overlooked , or not payed any mind at all.. It definitely messed with my confidence and made me question whether or not I was any good or if people would ever acknowledge me.
But as my career went on I found myself still creating opportunities for myself and progressing without those circles. I found myself being invited into other circles, I found myself doing big and great things all on my own and with the help of people in this industry that see and support me…So the moral of the story is, that I realize my value is not determined by those who don’t see me rather it is determined about how I see myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thad_thecreator
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativelyinsane.crafts