We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wade Koniakowsky. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wade below.

Wade, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

In my earliest memories of my childhood, I have a pencil in my hand. My parents could not find enough paper to feed my appetite for drawing, so they got used business forms from relatives and I drew on the back. At 6 years old my mother put me in painting classes, from then until graduating high school it was all art. The only trouble was, I was so right brained I had a lot of difficulties getting through the math and science requirements. My profession was chosen for me early on, it was juts a matter of specifics. I went into commercial art for a number of years and then made the leap to fine art (painting) later in life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I spent about 25 years in commercials art, first as a graphic designer. Later I evolved into an advertising art director, then a creative director, finally having my own ad agency based in San Diego, CA. We worked on a variety of consumer and B2B accounts and won many accolades for memorable creative solutions for our clients. In 2004 I sold my firm to my partner and launched mu fine art career, painting oceanscapes, California impressionist landscapes, waves and tropical scenes inspired by Polynesian culture. You van find me on social media – under my name, Wade Koniakowsky, and you can find a lot of information on my website, www.koniakowsky.com.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I think NFTs are a legitimate art form but I don’t do them preferring a more organic offering (although I do sell prints). One downside is the endless trail people who approach you on social media wanting you art but ONLY in the form of NFT. They all work off the same script- when you say you don’t off NFTs they ask you if you know anything about them and then proceed to give the hard-sell on NFTs. Some friends have suggested there’s a scam involved with these folks, I don’t know. But they can be annoying.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think there can be a perception among non- creative folks that the life of an artist is all fun and carefree. I don’t have much problem because being a creative is fun. The problem arises when money is involved as clients can tend to “short- change” you in various ways thinking (often subconscious) that part or your compensation for services rendered comes in the form of the fun you had doing the project and not in money.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @koniakowskyoceanart
• Facebook: Ocean Art by Koniakowsky
• Linkedin: Wade Koniakowsky
• Twitter: Wade Koniakowsky
• Youtube: Wade Koniakowsky
• Yelp: [email protected]