Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Donnelly.
Hi Steve, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been a fan of art. I’ve always loved drawing; however, most of my personal experience with art was just that, personal. My parents were always supportive of my art; buying me supplies when needed and giving me praise whenever I flexed my artistic muscles. But, I drew for enjoyment, and to express what was going on in my mind. I never had the desire to share my art on a larger scale, until I got married. My wife has been incredibly supportive of my artistic endeavors. She insisted I have better tools, that I share my drawings and paintings, that I continue to practice and get better. She made it a priority to feed my creative side, helping me to do the same. It was this encouragement, along with the need for a creative outlet in the middle of a very busy life that brought me to this point. Now I’m focused on getting my creations out to the public, being more intentional, driven, and consistent, improving every day. But, more important than anything, sharing a love for creativity through visual art. Any type of art.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Over the years, I have found it difficult to be an “artist”. ANY creative endeavor comes with its fair share of imposter syndrome, creative blocks, burnout, and some disdain for communities that can feel restrictive and snooty. So, no, it’s been a horribly bumpy road. There are learning curves to art, as with anything else. It’s very easy to get hitched on the imperfections of your work, and it takes a lot of focus and practice to get over some of those hurdles. There’s a comparison: Seeing someone with a style you admire so much can be inspiring one day, and destructive the next day. It’s quite important to take lessons from other artists and their work, but also to recognize that the differences in your styles are part of what makes you both important to the community. Always be teachable. I could go on and on, but overcoming the struggles requires nothing but a nurtured love for creating. Not allowing the fire to burn out. We all want to make it big, go viral, be influential, be remembered, but above anything, it’s remembering what started you off on the road in the first place. A desire to create.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in visual art. Drawing, painting, and digital art are my main interests. I get into everything from realism, expressionism, cartooning, abstract, the list goes on. My style has been described as a bit of graffiti and American cartooning. What I tend to be most proud of in my work is the storytelling aspect. Cliche as it sounds, I do try to make many of my original pieces a visual story. There’s nothing I love more about admiring a piece of art than making up the story of its main subject, or thinking about what the next frame may look like. What sets me apart from others? The same thing that sets any of my contemporaries apart from me. I could never create what’s locked up in their head the same way they could. Over the years I’ve developed a style that I think is very distinctive and interesting to look at.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk taking is very important for the continued progress of an artist. Putting work out to the public for criticism is a risk we take every time we share our portfolio. This is important so that we can improve our work and hopefully inspire some other creatives in the community. Going outside of our chosen medium, style, or subject matter is a risk that every artist should take. Not only does it allow for improvement, but every journey into new territory is an opportunity to fall in love with art and renew creativity. It would be hard to pinpoint a “major” risk. For me, it always just comes down to my personal investment and how rejection or criticism of a submission will affect me moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @therealbadwolfart
- Youtube: The Real Bad Wolf
- Other: https://www.redbubble.com/people/Realbadwolfart/shop?utm_source=rb-native-app&utm_campaign=share-artist&utm_medium=ios
Image Credits
Steven Donnelly
