S7E10 - From Hobbyist To Artist; A Journey of Resilience, Determination and Passion!!

Ever had a lot of time on your hands and didn't know what to do with it? Our guest, Q, found himself in that exact situation after graduating college. Unemployed and with time to kill, he discovered his passion for art and never looked back. 

Q's journey from hobbyist to full-time artist is nothing short of inspiring, as he crafted his own roadmap to success. We dive into his unique approach to art, from using reclaimed materials to channeling deep emotion into his tattoo designs. 

What does it mean to align your work with your brand and personal beliefs? Q learned the hard way that compromising his values for money was a road to dissatisfaction. His story is a testament to the power of intuition, patience, and staying true to your brand. 

We also explore how he navigated the financial challenges of being an artist and the transformative experiences he had while tattooing. 

Artists and creatives, this episode is for you. We discuss the importance of mentorship, the role of a supportive community in honing your craft, and the potential rewards of volunteering. Despite the global pandemic, Q found ways to stay active, motivated, and inspired. His story is a beacon of resilience and determination, proving that passion can overcome any obstacle. Strap in for an inspiring conversation that will motivate you to embrace failure, make mistakes, and keep pursuing your passion.

Quamaine Giles, a Multi-Disciplinary Artist from Martinsville, VA, now based in Atlanta (since 2018), GA, is known for his abstract paintings, tattoo artistry, and custom framing. Formerly a Senior Provisioning Engineer, he transitioned to a full-time art career in 2018. Giles has curated art shows for emerging artists, exhibited widely in Atlanta, and focuses on the intersection of people, the planet, and discarded materials. His unique paintings, crafted from reclaimed paper, magazines, cardboard, oil pastels, fabric, and sawdust, igniting social conversations on beauty and waste.

Chapters

• 0:00 Creative Journey and Tattooing With Q
• 5:02 Community Support in the Art Industry
• 15:40 Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Artist
• 19:41 The Value of Volunteering and Mentorship
• 25:18 Discover Passion, Overcome Challenges, Fulfill Career
• 37:26 Solo Show, Hometown, Artistic Integrity
• 42:00 The Power of Saying No
• 51:40 Influences on Creativity and Work Ethic
• 1:05:33 Navigating Challenges in the Creative Journey
• 1:13:10 The Creative Benefits of Smoking Cannabis
• 1:20:27 Tattoo Design and Meaning
• 1:25:24 Artist Growth and Future Plans
• 1:33:04 Renovating and Future Artistic Goals