Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Cooper.
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Scott Cooper and I’m an artist and graphic designer in the Dallas/DFW area. Over the last 20 years I’ve done a lot, but I initially started my journey more focused on fine art, specifically drawing. I got my BFA from Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2005, and realized fairly quickly that there weren’t a ton of opportunities for employment with my particular major unless you wanted to teach. I considered getting a teaching certificate, but never had my heart in it and eventually decided against it. I participated in a few group shows, but even if I had been selling work, I would have had a horrible time making it without working full time, so I eventually decided to move to Memphis with my family and try and save some money up so that I would have more time for my art. After a few months, I decided on a whim to go back to school, this time to get a “real” degree that I would hopefully afford me more career opportunities. I received my 2nd BFA in 2012 in Graphic Design, and started a career in design. I worked freelance for a while, and eventually found a full time position. After about 7-8 years there, I again decided, this time with the backing and support of my partner, to dive headfirst back into creating fine art work and concentrating almost solely on that. I still do some freelance gigs for design or illustration jobs, but my heart is in my fine art work. For the last 3 years I’ve been creating art and started a business with my partner called Tigsum Collective that focuses on my fine art pieces. We had a great time selling work at the Garland Art Fair last year, and participated in a few group shows as well. I’m currently making art almost every day and am working on an exhibition proposal for a solo show in the coming year.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has most definitely been a pretty rocky road, and I don’t know what I would do without the help and support of my life and business partner Allison. I’ve never really had a problem with creating the artwork, my issue was more about confidence and selling myself to others as an artist. It was a huge mental block for me, but with Allison’s help I eventually became more comfortable reaching out to people and making an effort to get into the art community here in the DFW. I’m also somewhat aimless, and that has been an obstacle as well. Again, Allison stepped up and is really the one that not only got the business started, but has also been guiding us in a direction where we actually have the opportunity to prosper. She’s definitely the brains of the operation, and I likely would have given up at the first obstacle I faced if not for her.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work explores the human condition through a deeply personal lens. Drawing from lived experiences with chronic illness, addiction, depression, loss, and the complexities of motherhood and gender identity, I examine themes of mental health, vulnerability, and co-dependency. These subjects often intersect in ways that reveal both the fragility and resilience of human connection. Working primarily with graphite, charcoal, and soft pastel on paper, I’m drawn to the immediacy and intimacy of these materials. Graphite allows for precision and structure, creating somber, narrative-driven imagery, while charcoal and pastel bring softness, instability, and atmosphere. This tension between control and release reflects the emotional terrain I navigate within my work. Whether rendered with clarity or dissolving into abstraction, each piece invites a quiet unease. I aim for the viewer to feel both seen and unsettled, caught in the shared vulnerability that defines our most human moments.
I would have to say that I’m currently the most proud of getting recognition as an artist this year by participating in 2 groups shows, as well setting up shop at our first art fair. I also had an interview with ShoutoutDFW, which was an incredible honor.
I think what sets my work apart from others is that, while I’m usually dealing with pretty grim themes and concepts, there is also an almost whimsical nature to the pieces that takes some of the bite out of the imagery and makes it more approachable. My intent is to invite the viewer into the strange world that I’ve created and hopefully find something in it that they can relate to, and maybe even think about something differently than they normally would. I try to tell a story with my imagery, and I really enjoy the dialogue that can create with the viewer.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would say you have to have a certain level of fearlessness to be able to successfully network with the art community. As a lifelong introvert, I’ve had a rough time with it, mainly because it almost feels like hubris to go into a community and say, “Hey, look at what I’m doing! Isn’t it interesting?”. Getting over that hurdle of, “who cares what this person thinks, just do you and do your best” was definitely rough, but that’s something else my partner helps me with. You definitely have to open up to other people and be vulnerable, and that can be hard for a lot of artists. I think a lot of us are already vulnerable by nature, so it’s even harder to put yourself out there when you’re not even 100% confident in yourself. My advice would be to find someone who’s work you really like and just bite the bullet and reach out to them. They may have the same insecurities that you have and might be able to help you, but you’ll never really know until you put yourself out there. I would also say that age doesn’t really matter to much, it’s mostly about experience. Obviously with age comes experience, but a younger artist can still mentor an older artist, there’s no shame in it. Just be humble and open to criticism and things will eventually work out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scottcooperart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottcooperart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottcooperart/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbot5000/
Image Credits
Scott Cooper
