An Inspired Chat with Paul Roustan of the Metaverse

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Paul Roustan. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Paul, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I hold integrity high above the others. I think intelligence is overrated. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. And I’m always tired, working so hard. I’ve been tired my entire life. So that type of energy is not so important to me. I do highly value the energy between people. But from a selfish standpoint, trying to come to terms with an unhappy conscience is brutal. I can’t live with myself if I’ve caused someone else a wrong. And that supersedes energy. Therefore, Integrity for the win.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Paul Roustan. I’ve been a boady painter for over twenty years. That is, I paint on people and then I photograph them. I have a Youtube channel that is relatively successful, and a patreon that pays the bills. I struggle every day trying to keep that going while shielding myself from censorship and projections of nudity equating to sex. Outside of that, for the last five years I’ve been wandering the metaverse, learning the ways to adapt my work into virtual venues. I’ve created a large variety of avatars, virtual wearables, and 3D venues that people could rock and explore.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My greatest teacher was one of the founders of airbrush caricature, Gary Fasen. An incredible man who ran several caricature locations at theme parks and malls. I learned from him at Six Flags Great America in the early 2000s. He locked in my fundamentals, enabled my understanding for how to work for a patron, and then let me fly with my own style and technique. He understood exactly what it takes to nurture and celebrate an artist, and I am forever grateful to him for that.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Despite what you think, you’re a good looking dude. Appreciate it, cuz you’re gonna get old and fat before you know it.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to think it was important to collaborate with celebrities to get anywhere successful. I think that kind of success is somewhat fictional. After many years of hustle in that direction, I’ve found it’s more important to create how you want to create without micro-management and manipulation peering over your shoulder.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
You are supposed to ride rampantly towards your fears not away from them. Make them afraid of YOU!

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Image Credits
Featuring models Shadia Elise, Sawyer Croft, and Kat Hall

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