Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Millsap.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a child, my mom always told me that “there is no such thing as boredom! You better keep yourself busy”, thus, drawing became a way of life. Afterschool art classes were as routinely enjoyed as little league practice and skateboarding. However, for as much as I dreamt, never did I think that I could grow up to be a “professional” artist. It wasn’t until college that I explored my passion more seriously and left the SDSU business school to enroll in Platt College San Diego where 3 years later I earned a BS in Media Arts. It has since opened a world of opportunity and enabled me to work alongside some amazing brands and artists, all the while building upon a comprehensive skill set. Through these collaborations I will continue to grow as a graphic artist and continuously produce pleasurable aesthetics and innovative designs.
Please tell us about your art.
What don’t I make would be a much easier question, haha. I don’t like the idea of sticking to a certain type of style or medium – it sounds boring to me. Obviously, there are certain areas of the industry that pay better than others and at the end of the day the lights need to stay on, but I am always trying to find new things to challenge myself and see what successes can come from the struggles. Whether its learning the art of screen printing, acrylic painting, ink drawing, photography, digital branding or web icons – I am always trying to learn and grow. I don’t tend to think too much about a “message” when it comes to my personal art, either. Art, to me, is an escape from the world and I tend to make things that are humorous or odd solely because of the fact that the world is serious enough. I’m not trying to change the world, I’m just trying to add a few more smiles or laughs to it.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I hear that being an artist can be lonely a lot, too. Personally, I think the issue is the title “Artist”. Yes, I get paid to do art so technically I am an “Artist”, but I’m also just a dude that likes to socialize and grab a beer with some good people. I think in order to make the “Artist” life an enjoyable and prosperous one you have to be a happy with yourself as human being first and “Artist” second. I treat Art as one of my many hobbies and know that ever, for some reason, it became unavailable to me then I would still be okay as a person with other skills to fall back on. Plus, you never know what is around the corner and being social as an artist will open WAY MORE doors than being a lonely one.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Lately I’ve been a bit dormant from the social art scene and been stuck in the shadows making stuff for a few clients, but I plan on getting out and doing some shows later this year. The Wall Art Collective usually puts on a cool show and they’re super laid back and fun so look for me to pop up there. Also, Instagram is obviously the main place where I (and most) showcase my work when possible – @asapcreative. As far as supporting me, just simply insta-commenting on what you like or coming out to see my shows and supporting other local artists is all I can ask for. I do sell product from time to time, but I do that strictly for fun and can’t commit to a full online store, so if and when I do make some merchandise you can find it on my Instagram or austinmillsap.com. However, most of the time I just hook up my supporters with free stuff because it makes me feel good – so make sure to follow along and if you like something then tell me! Who knows, you might just get a gift out of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://austinmillsap.com
- Email: austin.millsap@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asapcreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austin.millsap
Image Credit:
I made all the images.
Profile pictures courtesy of The Wall Art Collective
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