Today we’d like to introduce you to Abel Garcia.
Abel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a child, I could remember wanting to be an artist at the age of 6yrs old. Born in Odessa TX and raised in las cruces Nm my influences in art are very much inspired by the Southwest. After completing college my first move was to Colorado where I opened a t-shirt company designed for skiing and snowboarding. Have a lack of knowledge in the production process my business had failed and I made a lateral move to Dallas. The desire to create was still very apparent in my heart but I had exhausted all of my resources trying to develop another clothing Lin here in Dallas!!!
I felt like a failure and it had seemed like my choices had also taken a bad route. I found myself with only my dream, over-educated and homeless…. yes you heard correctly homeless. All I owned at the time was my car which I often slept in, but in this time I never felt sorry for myself!!! I had to try and make something of these ideas I had. It was through working three jobs and an unwavering support/encouragement of my girlfriend at the time (Rachel Burt) now my wife and my church family river of glory. They played vital roles in loving me and encouraging me through my pain and mistakes.
In this time I coin the phrase “WHYSLEEPWHENYOUCANPAINT” like I describe earlier I was working three jobs. Unloading shipping containers in McKinney from 4am-noon, then personal training until 7:00 pm then serving and bartending the rest of my nights. The only time I had to paint was into the early morning hours. I live this life for about 2years until could adore my own studio. The next couple years I just worked relentlessly on my craft and style. My goal was not just to be a successful artist but to really cultivate my style so it would be recognizable at first glance which I believe I have accomplished.
The life of an artist is not for everyone. You must truly love what you do, regardless of opinion or popularity. I truly believe my art speaks to a special place in peoples hearts. I give all credit to God for giving me this joyous task to create. Some of my clients are the Dallas Cowboys (Emmit Smith) DallasMaverickss FC Dallas Fuzzy’s tacos Leadercast, the warren center, Multiview a ton of people from las cruces, Dallas Austin and San Antonio. I have had the honor of being invited to visit NIKE headquarters and visit with Jordan designers. I have several clients from NIKE who own original art of mine. Not to mention my art in different countries.
Art is more than something I do. I sincerely believe it’s in my DNA. It’s my magnificent obsession.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think I answered in the first question. But to reaffirm the answer is heck no. The process of being an artist has been the hardest but most rewarding experience I have ever had. A lot of struggles come internally and externally as well. A lot of artist process information differently and most are sensitive or insecure about their work (I’m one of those artists) I guest you can say I’m my harshest critic. Exter struggles……
I had a lot of people close and not close to me water down my visions and dreams, but I do believe they did not do it maliciously. Sometimes society holds so much value on structure money and competition that the idea of an artist is very foreign to them. I would always love to hear “get a real job” or “how are you gonna pay bills with dreams”.
When you hear things like this Ottis kinda takes the wind out of your sails, but for some reason or another, I keep fighting to make my vision a reality.
ABELGARCIADESIGNS – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is my art!!! These creations come from my life influences and experiences. On a bigger scale I painted logos for companies on the sides of building s I do a ton of custom pieces for my fans and art collectors worldwide. I also paint live at events.
Weddings, birthdays, music festivals (SXSW) another cool aspect of my art is to give back to the community as well.
I make it a point to donate my time and my art to organizations in need like the warren center, operation rock the troops. Boys and girls club. I believe that we are all called to do amazing things and I just try help and instas. Many people as possible. So many people have invested me so it sets my heart on fire to give back.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I measure success by the influence. To me elevating one’s self to greater heights is easy. It truly takes someone dynamic to active the wings of others. To be able to operate in love through all levels of your journey is a true success for me!!! I can gain the world but if I have not truly loved I have lost everything. ABEL
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-425-5780
- Email: abelgarciadesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: abelgarciadesigns
- Facebook: Abel Garcia designs
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
