Today we’d like to introduce you to Cosmo Green.
Hi Cosmo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Like so many, I successfully worked in corporate America for years. Working so hard on projects, deadlines, and bottom lines of others, but never on my own personal dreams. Through the years, it became more necessary in my personal development and fulfillment to find a hobby that provided me a tangible outcome that I could hold and share. A physical object rather than just the completion of paperwork.
Through much trial and error, I eventually brought together my love of hats, art, and upscaling of other goods and created an art medium known as Cosmo Green Customs (@cosmogreencustoms). Through the last 4 years as a privately contracted artist, I have grown a following of over 58k followers, and my works have made it to all corners of the globe. From sightings in the White House, National Sports Team Athletes, Musical Artists, to even a Rolling Stone Korea feature on Zhu. It’s been a fun journey which has now led me to the next step being the Design District Art Collective.
In my own experiences, I have seen how an artist has gone beyond working from home. The struggle that most artists face when trying to develop and expand outside of that structure to build credibility with the world. And how most want the vibe that being in design district can offer their art but feel they aren’t ready for such a risk. Let’s face it, the Dallas Design District can be expensive if you’re looking for your own dedicated business.
I designed this facility to bridge the gap between the traditional artist’s studio and the typical coworking space. The Design District Art Collective (@
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far, would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
You learn something when you work in Corporate America. You realize the world is cruel, and you can give your entire life to a company, then one day you’re gone, and the hard truth is the water will still flow. They won’t remember you filling out that paperwork or winning that bid. Then why not do something with the little time we have on this earth and in my wife’s words, “risk for the biscuit”. Now that biscuit is the Design District Art Collective.
But to answer your question with any project, everything has to line up. I searched for a building that would suit our needs for 3 years. But when covid hit I had to prioritize and put this project on hold. But through that journey I looked at 20+ buildings and it started to feel like I would never find the right one to fit the needs of my concept.
Funding was next… How will I pay for this? I think this is perhaps the most commonly asked question when starting a business. But the truth is, I did everything in my power to get the money together. But if you have a dream you have to do what it takes to bring it to life, and for me, there were many important decisions I had to take and risks I had to accept. Like when you decide to invest your personal savings in your dream.
Risk is always part of the equation. Stepping up for failure is a frightening and sometimes overwhelming feeling. I recall being on a plane deep in my own thoughts. Hitting that pivotal moment of doubt and fear. So I remembered a reassuring quote from Julius Cesar, who said famously, “If you want to take the island, burn the boats!” And with Dallas at the helm, I plan on expanding the concept to Miami, Tennessee and New Orleans.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a commissioned artist who makes a tangible representation of what I consider art. Namely, creating personalized art for others using hats as a medium to showcase artistic expression. For over 4 years I have been blessed to say I have grown a great following with my creations and an understanding that art is not perfect and perfect is not art.
I am a commissioned artist who makes a tangible representation of what I consider art. Namely, creating personalized art for others using hats as a medium to showcase artistic expression. For over 4 years I have been blessed to say I have grown a great following with my creations and an understanding that art is not perfect and perfect is not art.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Making random things for my parents out of scrap wood I would find in the shed. I still have the wood coaster I made for my dad sitting on my desk that I made from a broken piece of plywood I found when I was 12. It reminds me of what my father said to me once, “Any person can go out and buy it, but when you build it from nothing it brings you a sense of accomplishment”. He was right, I cherish it.
Making random things for my parents out of scrap wood I would find in the shed. I still have the wood coaster I made for my dad sitting on my desk that I made from a broken piece of plywood I found when I was 12. It reminds me of what my father said to me once, “Any person can go out and buy it, but when you build it from nothing it brings you a sense of accomplishment”. He was right, I cherish it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @designdistrictartcollectivedtx and @cosmogreencustoms
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