We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mark West a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mark, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Thank you for asking! To me, my optimism clearly comes from the fact that I have stared very negative, impactful and failing moments in the face. Out of that darkness, came this need or resilience to succeed and look for the learning and opportunity in every situation. Assuming it’s a situation involving humans—which is usually is—means anything is possible. The dynamics of human relationships can create a huge variety of opportunities. And starting with the work I do internally, I become optimistic about all that’s possible as conversation and interaction grows outward. I am rarely disappointed, because, once again… There’s learning and growth in every situation.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have had art and music around me all my life. As a creative person, the opportunity to share my work and impact others in positive ways is at the forefront of what I do. That is actualized in such a huge variety of ways.
Some are more personal, such as creating my fine art portraits, photographing landscapes, or writing/recording various styles of music. Some are a little “less personal,” but just as exciting—except in different ways. Such as having the opportunity to visually represent data/information in intriguing ways, that engage a learning audience.
Much of what I do today, came to be through a variety of graphic design related things. After art school, I worked across a HUGE variety of art and design-related situations that included print publishing, game development, textiles, and web development, At the same time, I also taught across a variety of different colleges, teaching graphic design and creative classes for a variety of different learners. And yes, at the same time I was a writing and performing musician, that even included regional touring in the northwest with a rock band.
I eventually transitioned to training and instructional design, and that is a large focus today, with a lean towards graphic design, presentation design, infographic development and e-learning development.
I feel the huge variety of experiences give me a unique perspective, and a distinctly different creative approach. Over the last year or so, I have been especially excited to announce a significantly updated website, that includes my art portfolio(s) and an online shop where you can purchase framed prints at sizes up to 24 x 36! Three different shops house my fine art photography, art & illustration and photography. It’s a very exciting time!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think flexibility, and the openness to try new things is critical for success. With that in mind, when you fail, learn from it, improve, and try it again—assuming it still feels right to you.
With that feeling in mind… Always trust your “second mind.” Your heart! Your gut! Decisions should never be made exclusively with your head. In my opinion, or head should always be “in service to” your heart.
And with that in mind, what had taken me a long way has been my “service mentality.” Meaning, my attitude is always to make things better through my talents and services. Amplifying the success of others has always come back to me, to amplify my abilities. It’s that attitude of “what you put in, you always get back.” You just may not always see it come back in the way you may have imagined. Which leads me right back to my first point in this “systemic circle”—openness!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Without a doubt, I have grown significantly over the last year. I have become more confident about what I have to offer, and I must say, even after all of these years, I continue to experience self-doubt at times.
I have become better and better at going within, and being aware of what I am feeling from all my tangible senses, as well as the intangible ones. I regularly pay attention to my breath, and check in with how the moment is feeling. These things make me a better creative person, because I have found the more relaxed you are, the more confident and excited you are about creating.
Creativity should ultimately NEVER be forced. When it doesn’t feel right, shift gears in some way. Set it down and come back to it. Or do something else for a bit altogether. This approach relates to SO many things, because creativity is seen in so many things!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.markwestart.com
- Instagram: “Mark_West_Art” and “Mark_West_Creative”
- Facebook: Mark West Art
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markwestdesignpro
Image Credits
All images are © Copyright Mark D. West
