Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Will Fettig. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Will, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My passion for art started from the sidelines. A decade ago, while living overseas, I became captivated by street art and the transformation of public spaces. I found myself planning my days around discovering new artworks, all the while wishing I could contribute to that conversation. Since I didn’t have formal training, I relied on basic carpentry skills and resources like YouTube tutorials to find practical “shortcuts” that helped me achieve the results I wanted. Over time, this process sparked a deeper curiosity about the traditional, technical skills that initially felt daunting.

Now, looking back, I’m grateful for approaching art in a nontraditional way because it shaped both my creative approach and the kind of work I produce. Moving forward, I’m focused on continuing to learn foundational techniques, embracing constructive criticism, and valuing the lessons that mistakes bring. I believe these elements will not only improve my creative process but also foster growth more effectively than working in isolation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Will Fettig, and I’m the artist behind In ZoB We Trust, a creative project based in Portland, Oregon. I started in 2016 with a passion for stencil art, and over time, my practice has evolved into a blend of portraiture and abstract designs. At the core of my work is the desire to spread joy and build community through art.

Although I’ve only been making art for eight years, I’ve been fortunate to paint murals in the United States and Mexico, teach art classes to young children, and curate an art show in 2023 called Sliced. One of the highlights of my career so far was winning the Directors Park Live Paint Off, a televised live painting competition against 31 other incredible artists.

My recent work explores the human form through intricate patterns, with a focus on repurposing discarded materials. There’s something about combining patterns with human emotions that allows me to convey feelings that are hard to put into words, and I love transforming overlooked objects into something meaningful and beautiful.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue expanding my creative practice through more commissions, murals, and other mediums I have the chance to explore. What I’m most grateful for are the friends and family who have made these accomplishments possible and who have fueled the life I’m so thankful to live. Seeing how art can bring people together and make a positive impact is truly fulfilling for me, and I wouldn’t be able to do that without the support of my partner, family, fellow artists, and the collectors of my work.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a desire to spread joy, foster community, and pursue my own curiosity. Art has been a source of immense joy and purpose in my life, and I hope my work can evoke those same feelings in others. I’m motivated by the drive to bring the ideas that are constantly swirling in my mind to life, and I love exploring new materials and techniques along the way. For me, creativity is not just about the finished product, but about the process of discovery and connection—both with my work and with the people who experience it.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My entrepreneurial approach has been shaped by behavioral economics, particularly the study of how people make decisions and the trade-offs we face with our time and energy. Books like Scarcity by Sendhil Mullainathan and Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman have been especially impactful, helping me understand the cognitive biases that influence our choices. These insights have helped me approach my work in a more practical and thoughtful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inzobwetrust.com
• Instagram: @inzobwetrust
• Facebook: @inzobwetrust
• Twitter: @inzobwetrust