We recently connected with Zachary Rutter and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Zachary thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Yes, I’ve been able to make a full-time living from my creative work, but it wasn’t an overnight success. It took years of persistence, strategic networking, and a willingness to adapt. When I first started, I was grinding—taking on commissions, live painting gigs, murals, and selling original work wherever I could. The journey was full of ups and downs, but I kept pushing, refining my craft, and building relationships that led to bigger opportunities.
One of the biggest milestones was being featured on the Jumbotron at PPG Paints Arena while live painting during a Pittsburgh Penguins foundation event. That visibility led to more commissions, collaborations, and a stronger reputation as a live artist. Another key moment was expanding beyond just selling paintings—getting into public art, mural work, and community projects like The Free Fridge initiative, where I painted refrigerators to provide free food to those in need. Expanding my visibility has been essential, as it has not only diversified my income streams but also opened the door to more opportunities.
Live painting also became a way to give back. I often paint live at fundraisers and high-end charity events, where my work is auctioned off to raise money for the nonprofit or cause hosting the event. It’s fulfilling knowing that my art isn’t just a personal success but can also make a tangible impact in communities and help organizations doing meaningful work.
Could I have sped up the process? Maybe. If I knew back then what I know now, I would have focused on defining my artistic presence earlier—really honing my identity as an artist and leveraging social media more effectively as a source for optimism. I also would have been more selective with projects, focusing on the ones that aligned with my long-term goals rather than saying yes to everything.
Now, after years of making a living as an artist, I’ve taken on a new challenge as a high school art teacher. I realized that all the knowledge I gained—the struggles, the wins, the lessons—could be used to inspire the next generation of creatives. I want my students to see that it is possible to make a career out of art, but it takes dedication, resilience, and smart decision-making. Teaching allows me to pass on what I’ve learned and hopefully help them find their own paths a little faster than I did.
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?
About Me & My Work
My name is Zachary Rutter, and I’m a professional artist, muralist, and high school art teacher. Over the past eight years, I’ve built a career as a full-time creative, working across murals, live painting, fine art commissions, and community-based art projects. My work is driven by a mission to spread positivity, tell stories, and create connections through art.
Recently, I took on the role of a high school art teacher, feeling inspired to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained to help students see that art isn’t just a passion—it can be a viable career path. In addition to my teaching, I’m developing Studio Time Arts & Crafts, a YouTube series inspired by Bob Ross and Bill Nye the Science Guy. This series is designed to make art education engaging and accessible while reinforcing creativity as an essential part of learning.
How I Got Into the Industry
Like many artists, I started by selling paintings and taking commissions, but I quickly realized that diversification was key to building a sustainable career. I expanded into murals, live painting, and large-scale public art, which gave me more exposure and allowed me to engage with communities in a meaningful way.
Some of my biggest milestones include:
• The Spread Love Bus – Commissioned by Port Authority, I designed a fully wrapped city bus that drove throughout Pittsburgh, carrying my message of positivity and creativity and giving people a fresh, uplifting sight during their daily commutes. Seeing my artwork literally moving through the city, impacting thousands of people every day, reinforced my belief that art can reach people in unexpected and meaningful ways.
• Live Painting at PPG Paints Arena – I had the opportunity to live paint during a Pittsburgh Penguins foundation event, where my work was featured on the Jumbotron. That experience gave my art major visibility, leading to new commissions and collaborations.
• Murals in Ghana, West Africa – I spent two weeks painting murals in a village in Ghana, specifically at a schoolhouse in Akatsi. In addition to the murals, I donated 16 paintings inspired by traditional Kente cloth to the local community. This experience deepened my belief that art transcends language and culture, creating connections and shared experiences that go beyond borders.
• The Free Fridge Initiative – I have painted several refrigerators in collaboration with the Emma Munson Foundation that have been placed throughout Pittsburgh that provide free food for those in need. This project highlights how art can intersect with activism and community support.
• The Comic Book Collage Grid Method – I developed a unique collage grid method that uses comic books as both a visual aesthetic and a functional tool for transferring artwork onto canvas. By layering panels of comic books and using them as a grid reference system, I create intricate, detailed paintings that fuse pop culture with fine art. This technique not only provides a visually striking background but also enhances composition and precision in my paintings. I teach this method in my classroom, showing students how collage and mixed media can be used as a structural foundation rather than just an embellishment.
What I Offer & What Sets Me Apart
My work spans multiple areas, but at its core, I provide:
• Murals & Public Art – Large-scale, vibrant murals designed to transform spaces and inspire communities.
• Live Painting & Fundraisers – I create paintings in real-time at events, engaging audiences and often raising money for charitable causes.
• Fine Art & Commissions – Custom paintings and mixed-media works for collectors, businesses, and personal clients.
• Art Education – As a high school art teacher and creator of Studio Time Arts & Crafts, I bring real-world industry experience into the classroom to inspire the next generation of creatives.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend fine art with community impact. I don’t just create for aesthetics—I tell stories, build connections, and use art to spread positivity. Whether it’s a mural that transforms a space, a bus that spreads love across a city, or a YouTube series that makes art more accessible, my work is always focused on creating an impact.
What I’m Most Proud Of
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to make a living as an artist while giving back. Projects like the Spread Love Bus, The Free Fridge Initiative, and my mural work in Ghana all represent my commitment to using my art to enhance communities and promote positivity.
I’m also proud of my adaptability. After years of working as a full-time independent artist, I recently transitioned into art education, bringing my real-world experience into the classroom. At the same time, I’m working on Studio Time Arts & Crafts, a YouTube series designed to make art education fun, engaging, and inspiring. This project is my way of bridging my professional experience with accessible learning, much like Bob Ross did for painting.
Additionally, my Comic Book Collage Grid Method is something I take pride in because it’s a technique I created from scratch, blending my love for mixed media, pop culture, and traditional grid transfer methods. Seeing my students use this approach in their own work, understanding how collage can be both structure and style, has been incredibly rewarding.
What I Want People to Know
I want people to know that my work is about more than just creating art—it’s about spreading positivity, building connections, and using creativity to inspire change. Whether it’s through a mural that brightens a community, a bus that spreads love across a city, a YouTube series that makes art accessible, or a lesson that sparks creativity in a young artist, my goal is to make an impact through art.
If you’re looking for bold, dynamic artwork that tells a story and brings energy to a space, or if you’re interested in working with an artist who values creativity, community, and collaboration, I’d love to connect!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The Most Rewarding Aspect of Being an Artist
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist isn’t just about the art itself—it’s about watching my son and daughter discover their own creativity and passion for art at such a young age. Seeing them pick up a paintbrush or experiment with colors, completely immersed in their imagination, has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do—because creativity isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of seeing the world, problem-solving, and expressing yourself. Watching them find joy in creating, without overthinking or doubting themselves, has reignited my own artistic drive in ways I never expected.
Fatherhood has had a massive impact on my trajectory as an artist. Before becoming a dad, my focus was always on pushing forward, chasing the next project, the next big opportunity. But having children has given me a deeper sense of purpose in my work. It’s no longer just about building a career—it’s about creating a legacy of inspiration and showing them firsthand that pursuing your passion is possible.
One moment that really solidified this for me was when I took my children to deliver a painting I created to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Carnegie Library of Homestead. As we walked through the historic building, I thought about how that painting will hopefully be there for another 125 years—long after I’m gone. The idea that one day, my children might take their own children to see my artwork hanging in the world, to show them something their father created, fills me with excitement. That’s the kind of legacy that means the most to me—not just having my art exist, but having it be a part of something bigger, something that lasts beyond my lifetime.
Their influence has even shaped my approach to teaching. The way children naturally explore, take risks, and embrace creativity without fear has reminded me of the importance of fostering that same mindset in my students. I want them to hold onto that creative confidence, to see art as something valuable, whether they pursue it professionally or not.
At the end of the day, my greatest reward isn’t just seeing my own work out in the world—it’s knowing that my passion for art has inspired the next generation, starting with my own kids.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
How Can Society Best Support Artists and a Thriving Creative Ecosystem?
Society can best support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem by embracing public art and recognizing its power to bring people together. Art shouldn’t be confined to galleries or private collections—it should be accessible in everyday spaces, shaping communities and fostering a sense of connection. When cities and organizations prioritize public art initiatives, they create opportunities for artists to thrive while enriching the lives of those who engage with the work.
A great example of this is the 400-foot tunnel mural I painted for the Five Star Trail in Greensburg. What made this project special wasn’t just its scale—it was the fact that nearly 40 volunteers from the community came together to help bring it to life. I designed it as “the world’s largest paint-by-number” so that anyone, regardless of artistic experience, could participate. The result was more than just a mural—it was a collaborative experience that gave people a sense of ownership and pride in their community.
When communities invest in public art, provide funding for creative projects, and support artists through grants, commissions, and accessible opportunities, they do more than just beautify spaces—they create a thriving cultural environment. Public art transforms overlooked areas into landmarks, strengthens community identity, and encourages people to engage with their surroundings in new ways.
If society wants to cultivate a sustainable creative ecosystem, it needs to treat art as an essential part of daily life—one that connects people, inspires creativity, and contributes to a richer cultural landscape. The more we integrate art into our shared spaces and give artists the resources to create, the more we empower creativity to flourish for generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zacharyrutterart.com
- Instagram: zacrutterart
- Facebook: Zachary Rutter Art
- Linkedin: Zachary Rutter
- Youtube: Zachary Rutter Art, Studio Time Arts + Crafts
Image Credits
The photo of me live painting in the pink jacket at Heinz Field was taken by Sarah Abramowitch Photography LLC. I believe all other photos are my own.