We had the good fortune of connecting with Sean Hoy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sean, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I believe and know that my artistic and creative calling originated at birth, but it did not materialize until I was in the 4th grade after drawing cartoon sheep for my classmates while reciting sheep puns in a funny voice. I was hooked and labeled the class clown which has two meanings in school. To my friends, I was the funny friend. To my teachers and principals, I was a clever, quick witted terrorist. And so began my on the job training until I reached Arizona State University as a freshman and asked to be part of the editorial staff at The State Press newspaper at an editorial cartoonist. My first true paid job.
At the same time I was moonlighting as a stand up comedian at night and changing my major every other semester.
Upon, graduation, I held a ‘real’ job at Enterprise Car rental for 3 months until I was politely asked to switch my paperwork job to hosting their Christmas Party as an MC and ex-employee of Enterprise.
It all worked out. I then and have until this day been using the four creative talents I posses and my offbeat humor to spread joy and creativity to businesses, organizations, individuals and even their dogs as Sean ‘Hoylarious’ Hoy.
I do what I did in the fourth grade and get paid. Not many can say that.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work as a painter, cartoonist, MC and comedian comes from the audience. It sounds corny, but through trial and tribulation, I have found that the audience, meaning who your final product is for, is the the most important factor in any business.
So when I removed my ego and became authentic, I began to be a true artist.
When I realized that a bar full of drunks is different than hosting a fundraiser for The Arizona Humane Society was so so different, I became what I was as a fourth grader. I was giving them what they wanted, not what I wanted.
And I could focus on a simple purpose of bringing joy, hope and a smile that related to them….the audience. Be it an audience of one or 1500.
And this has taken me years to hone and realize. Yet so simple. Mistakes have been my friend. (Not at the time).
We all have creativity muscles and a funny bone.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would pick them up in the afternoon and take them to The Perch Pub & Brewery in Chandler. Not only do they have amazing food and brew their own beer, they have 60 rescued birds like parrots, love birds, cockatoos, macaws and so many birds in a forest like atmosphere. Then after dinner we would go to ImprovMania which is live improv comedy and walkable from The Perch.
The next day, a hike up Camelback mountain and a stroll through Old Town Scottsdale eating Oreganos Pizza.
The next day would be a 1,5 hour drive to Prescott , one of my favorite Arizona towns and stay at one of their older hotels in the heart of Prescott.
Then back to Phoenix to catch a Suns game at the New Footprint Arena
The next day trip would be Biosphere 2 near Tucson
And back to Phoenix for a afternoon snack on the terrace at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.
The goodbye lunch would be at Cooper 48 in Downtown Gilbert.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to say there was one person who helped me get to where I am today. , As most people a dysfunctional family usually doesn’t encourage the joys of an artist. (Whole other topic). Ha
But ironically those that have helped me the most have been random strangers or a friend who was there when all else failed.
Sometimes a little word of encouragement or a seemingly throw away piece of advice.
The top on this list when I was starting in stand up comedy. I was wound-up , high energy kind of funny (or so I thought).
I was in LA at The Comedy Store on open mic night. After my set a very seasoned and well-known comedian at the time. Pulled me aside and just said, ‘Get them on the bus before you hit the accelerator.’
Then he walked away.
I have used that in all I do.
Website: Www.Hoylariousart.com
Instagram: @hoylariousart
Facebook: @seanhoylarioushoy