We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Studebaker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
“Uh Oh, sounds like somebody’s got a case of the Mondays!” The movie “Office Space” was released just as I was making my college decisions. I knew I wouldn’t last long in a corporate office. I had to be creative. I had to be outdoors. When I told my parents I was going to study photography and painting, they were supportive. It didn’t hurt that my grandfather was also a professional artist. He did it. So could I. My impulse to create was almost more of a need than a desire. It never felt optional.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
“Only ten percent of you will ever even make art after you graduate art school” my favorite art professor used to say. “And of those, less than ten percent will make a living at it.” I wasn’t sure how to take that news when I first heard it. Was it discouraging? Or was it meant to light a fire under us to be the 1%? As far as I could tell I only had one choice. Instead of frat parties – long nights in the darkroom. Instead of summer at the beach – summer interning for artists in NYC. After we visited a museum, I sent the museum directors thank you cards with my art on them. I had to be in the relentless 1%. Despite all that, the first three art business ideas I had all failed hard. But working in corporate accounts payable for the rest of my life was tantamount to losing my soul. I was determined to fail as much as necessary.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Desert Botanical Garden and Camelback Mountain are both wonderful ways to easily see nature near the city. One of the things I love most about Phoenix is its proximity to the Sky Island Mountain ranges in the south and the Grand Canyon to the north, both of which make for long day trips or easy brief getaways.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my supportive parents, I wouldn’t have made it here without your unwavering faith in me.

Website: www.studebakerstudio.com

Instagram: @matthewstudebaker

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