Behind The Screen with Gramajo Navigating Fatherhood & Fame: An Artist's Unconventional Path to Success with MendezMendez
Episode 5: Gramajo (@0xGramajo) is joined by MendezMendez (@mendezmendezart). A renowned collage artist with more than a decade of experience.
Prepare to be enthralled by the captivating Mendes, a trailblazing artist with a vast experience of 14 years in the realms of graphic design and computer graphics. Mendes takes us on a vivid journey of his evolution from a graphic designer to a full-time artist, sharing intriguing stories of creating album covers for bands and DJs, and his adventurous collaboration with the California-based record label Dirty Word.
As we delve deeper, Mendes candidly shares his early experiences in the dynamic world of NFTs, the evolving artist-collector relationship, and his revelations around Rally Token. The conversation then segues into the intricacies of collecting art in this digital age. Mendes offers profound insights on the challenges of standing out in a saturated art world, highlighting his own strategies of DM-ing collectors and navigating web3, and his exciting rollercoaster journey with auctioning a NFT.
Lastly, we venture into the depths of Mendes' artistic style and his views on commercialization. Listen as he recounts his exploration back to his classic abstract work, and the growing interest it has sparked among both collectors and artists. Mendes also enlightens us on his collaboration with Infinite Objects, his creative process, and how he skillfully balances his art with parenting. Join us for an engaging discussion filled with inspiration, creativity, and an abundance of unique insights!
Date Recorded: July 6, 2023
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WDR Newsletter --> https://gramajo.substack.com/
00:00 Unintentionally started selling art on Reddit.
06:09 Successful transition from music to graphic design.
11:09 Transitioned from advertising to freelance art focus.
20:49 Authors boosted visibility by lowering writing prices.
26:42 Dynamic changes, genuine support, organic connection, success.
32:29 Agreement on trends; respectful callouts among collectors.
37:39 New collage work focuses on classic abstract style.
40:41 Work for personal fulfillment, not for money.
49:28 Art should not require explanation for appreciation.
54:42 Transitioning from editions to one-of-one artworks.
01:00:48 Artist focusing on web three for recognition.
01:01:59 Network in real life for art success.
01:09:24 Public domain content used freely for art.
01:13:41 Trust your art, speak through it authentically.
01:22:08 Struggle balancing work and sleep with kids.
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Links:
Deconstructed
MendezMendez
Mendez Website
Sweet Cuts Collab
Music by: henriknorstedt
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