Today we’d like to introduce you to Mat Nelson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Originally a high school drop out, but went back and graduated. Hitched a ride to design school 13 hours away with only a couple/few hundred dollars in my pocket and with a lady, I met the day before. Was terrible at art while in college, and the professors even questioned my major choice. But I tackled it through technical know how until the creativity came (much later). I almost dropped out, but stuck with it, and learned the software as best as I could. Worked three jobs, 35-45 hrs./week for scholarship money and a little bit of money to survive on all while taking full load years straight. It built a crazy work ethic going through all that. Any free time I ever had, I wouldn’t go out or do anything else. I instead would hop on my computer and learn the software more and more. Practicing design any chance I got.
Fast forward five years after graduation, I started my own growing ad agency. It took off quickly and been fortunate to work with such brands as NASA, American Airlines, LG, GE, Boeing, Enkei Wheels, Frito Lays, Samsung, etc.
A few years ago, I went through some personal hardships, and out of that, I rebranded and also began a culture/brand that focuses on fitness and turning pain into fuel. Getting up, getting better, and that being your “come back.” I am currently growing that brand and motivating many to rebuild their lives after hardships.
Please tell us about your art.
I primarily stick with design — print, trade show/exhibits, brand development, advertising/campaigns, packaging, web/interactive/digital media, and photography. I like to take my clients’ message and communicate it through visual communications. I enjoy telling stories — whether it’s a brand or it’s through my photography.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I struggled with creativity for a long time, but I learned all the technical ways first. I approached design from a technical standpoint. Learn the software, logistics, how things are printed, papers, code, etc. The creativity came eventually.
Work hard! Greatness is reserved for those who work the hardest. And discipline is always rewarding. Nothing great comes easy. And do things differently as much as you can.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Still working on my website portfolios, but I do have some content up in these places:
Instagram & Facebook: @getevin (Evin Creative)
Design: www.evincreative.com
Photography: photo.evincreative.com
Fitness Brand: shop.getevin.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.evincreative.com photo.evincreative.com shop.getevin.com
- Email: info@evincreative.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/getevin/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/getevin/
Image Credit:
Mat Nelson
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