Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Felipe Gomez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Felipe , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I believe my work ethic stems from an early age when my family had to move to the US due to a recession in Colombia. My father, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping my work ethic. He worked three jobs to support our education and eventually secured a teaching position, which led us to move to the US.
At the age of 15, I used all of my savings to obtain a work permit even before receiving my green card. I took on my first job and purchased my first car at 16. Since then, I have been working in a restaurant to afford skateboards, clothes and save money for university expenses.
From the beginning, my father instilled in me the value of staying focused on my goals and putting in maximum effort to achieve them. His relentless determination and sacrifices inspired me to work hard and persevere.
I am grateful for the lessons I learned from my father and the work ethic he cultivated in me. Moving to a new country and taking on multiple jobs at a young age have taught me the importance of dedication and resilience. I understand the significance of saving money and working diligently to attain my aspirations.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
After I graduated university, I got my first corporate job and after a year—I realized that I should have been pursuing art the entire time. I decided to finish my year, and continue working on the art that I had been working on for the past few years at that time. I put together an art studio in my garage, and decided to teach myself the fundamentals of art. I signed up for painting classes online and then a few months later—the pandemic began.
This was one of the most influential moments in my life.
Deciding to quit my corporate job has been the best choice I have made in my entire life. The moment that I chose to pursue my dream, doors began to open and magic was realized.
I am known for creating multilayered wood art pieces, however I am a multimedia artist. I paint using oil, acrylic and working on getting more murals under my belt.
As time has passed, I am now focused on my own development as an artist and my business. I would like to develop myself to levels I cannot even think of so that I can give back to communities and non-profits around the world. I have been living in Europe for the past three months, and in this next quarter I am looking forward to getting back to my art studio and working on some new ideas!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I find that there were three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that profoundly influenced my journey. Firstly, my involvement in orchestrating large-scale environmental festivals significantly impacted my growth within the realm of art. Engaging with the event and marketing sphere required me to assume multiple roles, encompassing fundraising, securing sponsors, cultivating a brand image, overseeing social media endeavors, generating content, and engaging with potential speakers, vendors, and stakeholders. This multifaceted experience honed my adaptability and resourcefulness, traits that proved invaluable in my artistic endeavors.
Secondly, my immersion in the corporate world furnished me with enhanced professional acumen and a resolute approach to treating my art as a business. This background fortified my determination and strategic outlook, enabling me to navigate the intricacies of the art world more adeptly.
Moreover, the pivotal factor that resonates most profoundly with my journey is my unwavering commitment to exploration, artistic dedication, and resilience. Embracing novel challenges while remaining steadfast in my artistic pursuit has been instrumental in shaping my trajectory.
For those embarking on their early career journey, I offer the following counsel: Persevere diligently, relentlessly pursue improvement, and exert unwavering effort. Dedication is paramount—approach your work with gravity, pouring in more than ever before. Act with integrity, learn from missteps, avoid leveraging others to advance your career, gracefully acknowledge errors, and maintain an unwavering work ethic. By embracing these principles, you can navigate your path with purpose and achieve enduring success.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I always welcome collaborations. They have always helped me to develop ideas and concepts beyond my own abilities. I would say that I would love to do more collaborations on public art projects, murals, and studio paintings/art pieces. If you are wanting to collaborate—feel free to send me a message on my instagram @felipegomezart or send me an email at felipegomezart@gmail.com
Feel free to check out my website: www.felipegomezart.com and check out my previous projects and collaborations!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.felipegomezart.com
- Instagram: Felipegomezart
