Zach Meyer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Zach, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
The act of drawing has an almost hypnotic effect on me. I lose track of time completely, becoming completely immersed in the intricate details. It’s as if Ienter a different world where only the art exists. When I finally step back, I realize how quickly the hours have flown by, but that moment of deep focus and connection to my work is incredibly fulfilling and energizing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Zach Meyer, an award-winning artist and dedicated educator based in Portland, Oregon. Born in Ann Arbor and originally cross-eyed, I underwent corrective surgery as a child—an experience that transformed my perspective, allowing me to see the world—and my art—with clarity. I teach an advanced art course once a week at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, while the rest of my time is dedicated to working with clients and galleries. I specialize in hyper realism with a mix of surrealism, created in graphite and pan pastel
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My father was the first to recognize my potential before I even realized it myself. Despite my struggles in traditional schooling, I dedicated hours—sometimes endless—to honing my craft. He saw in me the work ethic and talent that I couldn’t yet see and encouraged me to pursue art as a career. Coming from a rigorous, background in medicine, his unwavering support was pivotal. Thanks to him, I am now living a life fueled by passion and purpose, grateful for the clarity and direction that he helped me find.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Over the past two years, I’ve immersed myself in mastering a new medium—Pan Pastel—and it hasn’t been easy. There have been far more failures than successes, and many pieces have looked downright ugly at times. During those moments, I’ve questioned whether I should give up. But what keeps me going is my commitment to growth. I understand that true artistry involves confronting those difficult feelings, embracing the process, and finding joy in the journey rather than just the end result.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’ve learned that perseverance through failures is the pathway to breakthroughs. My goal is to refine my craft—improve my drawing and painting skills—no matter what it takes
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Ultimately, I see a future where I step back from commercial work and teaching to focus solely on building a body of work for a major solo exhibition—creating a legacy rooted in resilience and genuine artistic passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zachmeyerillustration.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachmeyerillustration/
Image Credits
Photos by Kate Austin
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