Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Wenzel.
Hi Darren, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My creative Journey started I’m 1987 when I began a traditional sign painting apprenticeship for a leading display company in Adelaide, South Australia which is where I grew up.
This was a fantastic and unique opportunity where I learnt from very talented scenic artists, ticket writers, sign painters and graphic artists.
After my apprenticeship I spent the next years traveling and working in various companies around the country.
Along the way I taught myself to airbrush, pinstripe and custom paint, eventually starting my own business.
With the introduction of the internet came the opportunity to interact with all the amazing US artists we had only read about in magazines.
This lead to many great friendships and opportunities to travel to the US which was definitely where my head was at.
In 1999 I started traveling back and forth from Australia to the US and working with incredible friends I had met along the way, also attending many artist gatherings. This was an amazing time of my life!!
In 2007 I was sponsored to come over permanently by friends who had a custom paint shop in Virginia. This was also a huge opportunity for me and I ate it up.
In 2010 I made the move to Austin where I started my own art based business focusing on graphic art, custom paint and sign painting.
Life definitely got pretty crazy for me then traveling all over the country painting for clients along with teaching classes for 3 different programs.
Over the last few years I wound down my business realizing I had no life balance what so ever, my whole life was work.
Now I’m focused on creating my own fine art which has always been my ultimate goal.
The creative freedom has definitely been refreshing for me!!!
I have a million stories to tell, my journey has been pretty crazy but that’s a very brief rundown.
Cheers!!
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?
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s been a completely smooth road!
Living a transient life comes with so many ups and downs. The inconsistency of a freelance artist keeps you on your toes!!
There are times when you finish a big project and you’re on cloud nine then there are times when the money is harder to come by. I thrived on the unknown and excitement never knowing what was next.
I much rather stability now and leave the chaos for the youngsters!
Being an artist and a business man are two different things, you really have to be proficient at both. Can’t say I was super in touch with the business aspect lol.
The lack of support system being in a different country alone can be challenging at times.
The amazing opportunities I’ve encountered alone the way have definitely made it worth the challenge!
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?
Prior to the last 3 years focus on my fine art I was taking on many different avenues of work from sign painting. Pinstriping, airbrush work, murals, computer graphic design and faux finishes.
I’ve worked hard over the years to be proficient in every aspect of my trade and that has opened up so many doors for me also setting myself apart from others knowing I can handle almost any project that is sent my way.
The amazing part of the trade is you are always learning, there is always room to improve on your skills!!
That diversity has bought me amazing opportunities such as painting for professional sports people, traveling the country with a buddy painting murals with for Nike corporate head quarters and distribution centers, vending on cruise ships, sign painting for Fort Worth Stockyards, appearances on TV shows, sign work for ABC studios, an aerobatics plane in Minnesota for Kyle Franklin which was cool as in big on aviation, just to name a few.
One highlight was painting artwork for Kings of Leon in a collaboration between my photographer friend Dan Winters and amazing UK glass artist Dave Smith.
I’ve been fortunate to teach my craft through 3 different programs around the country and Mexico City with some of the best artist in the country which was a great honor.
I’m very proud I created that name for myself and had that level of trust from my clients.
My work has been magazine published in 5 countries which is surreal to me also!!
Excited to see where my fine art can take me now. I’ve definitely got many avenues I want to explore!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite child hood memory was the area I grew up. We lived on the outskirts of a small country town called Strathablyn.
We knew all the neighbors properties and we roamed the hills all weekend doing kid stuff with a bit of mischief thrown in! We just had to be home by dark.
I really was the ultimate place for a kid to grow up!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darrenwenzelart.com
- Instagram: @darren.wenzel.art
