We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trey Zorns a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Trey, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I will say that moment for me would be back in my Senior Year of College. As part of our Senior Capstone we had to successfully put together a Solo Art Exhibit. It really allowed me the opportunity to experience all of the behind the scenes work that we don’t normally see when going to an Art Exhibit. Starting with a vision for my show and then putting it all together sparked a more serious and next level mentality within me. Seeing my Family, Friends & Supporters viewing my artwork all at once and receiving high praises from everyone there made me want to experience this feeling more often. It’s been 9 years since my 1st Show & I just recently completed my 4th Solo Art Exhibit. Which for me confirms that the feeling I felt during my 1st Show to keep elevating to the next level with my Art was what God had planned for me all along.

Trey, 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 started painting in the Summer of 2011 while I was attending the University of West Georgia. I was going through a tough time in Life at the time. Struggling with the constant feeling of my Life having no purpose. Until one night I prayed to God that he would allow me to see exactly what my purpose was & the message that came to me was to start painting. So without any hesitation the next day I changed my major from Graphic Design to Painting & my Journey began. Since that day I made a promise to myself to work on my craft everyday. Even if it’s just for 30min. By doing that not only did it help accelerate my skills but it also allowed those around me to see that I had a true passion for my craft.

The types of creative works that I provide are Portrait Paintings & also Poetry. My most popular service that I provide is being able to take separate individual pictures and create a combined portrait painting from those images. By doing this in a way I have created for my client a moment that may not have been able to happen in real life. For example, I can combine an image of a Grandmother that may have passed away with an image of a Grandchild that she didn’t get to meet. That is why I often refer to what I do as not just Painting but I am “Touching Lives & Creating Memories with a Paintbrush”.

The thing that I am most proud of is my discipline to follow God’s plan for me. I did not grow up wanting to be an Artist but the moment I realized that was my purpose here on earth I decided to dedicate my Life to it. And by doing this God has rewarded me with a surplus of Supporters. But most importantly he has allowed me to make a difference in so many lives through my Artwork.

How did you build your audience on social media?

As a Creative, Building your Audience can truly make or break you in this era of Social Media Dominance. I’m very aware that my Artwork has placed my name in conversations with some very Talented Artists. But I never shy away from being honest and telling those around me that I am not the most Talented Artist ever. I’ve only been painting for 11 years while I know of many Artists who have been working on their craft for 25+ years. So naturally they should be better than me. But a Title that I do claim is being the Hardest Working Artist I’ve ever known. From putting together my Solo Art-Shows every 2-3 years with 50+ new paintings each time, To the surplus of Paintings I’ve done for Clients throughout the Years I’ve always kept the mindset of “Outworking the Competition”. And part of that is also being constantly present on Social Media. One thing that my supporters love to see is when I post my Artwork as I am creating it. This allows them in a way to go on that creative journey with me. Also, I post “Reaction Videos” These are videos of people receiving my Artwork that a Client had ordered for them. Allowing my supporters to see these moments first hand gives them an inside look into exactly what it is I do & even they began to realize that this is more than just a painting that I am creating.

So as far as advice for any upcoming Artists I would say use my journey as the recipe. Be genuine in what you’re doing. Create as much as possible & Allow your audience to go along with you through your Social Media. “Use Social media don’t let it use You”. Do not get caught up in trying to copy what you see others doing as far as Painting Style just stay true to you, People will appreciate that even more.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

For me watching videos of ET the Hip-Hop Preacher (Eric Thomas) and William Hollis have been a tremendous motivation. Every morning I start off with a Bible Verse of the Day & watch a motivational video from one of these two men. Growing up it was a rarity to see a Black Man with a platform speaking positivity into the Black Community. Not because there weren’t Men out there doing it, Because that was not something Society would allow us to see, A Black Man empowering us to be Greater in our walks of Life. Both of these Men, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Hollis came from rough backgrounds and with their craft of speaking have not only made a successful career out of it but most importantly motivated others in our community to chase our Dreams and Touch Lives while doing it as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @livinglegendo_o
• Facebook: Trey Zorns
• Twitter: @livinglegendo_o
• Other: Tik Tok: @livinglegendo_o