Meet Drew Button: Artist

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

Hi Drew, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ll preface this statement by saying, I’m not a huge risk-taker. When it comes to climbing the face of a wall or a rock, I typically won’t hesitate unless it seems beyond my skills as a scrambler. If I can measure something visually and feel confident beyond the shadow of a doubt that I’ll be able to surmount said wall or rock – I’ll do it. I take calculated risks. Risk taking in this way has been key in my development as a man and as an artist. Had I declined to take the risks that I have to this point in my life, I would not feel so handsomely rewarded as I do. As I weigh the possible losses and victories against each other with each calculated risk, I try to remember each time that there is a journey between where I’m standing and that eventual success or failure. That journey will teach you more about yourself and your environment than any moment or destination you’ll eventually arrive at. For the risks I’ve taken, I’ve been rewarded with better balance, communication skills, a career as an artist, and a thriving relationship with my partner. Each of these rewards was preceded by numerous, discouraging failures. In a conversation with my mother this past year, she used the analogy of my younger self learning how to swim, I felt comfortable clinging to the edge of the pool. ‘Let go of the edge’ she said.

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.
As an artist, I am most proud of my ability to work with clients to help realize their vision for a project they’ve brought to me. The lessons I’m learning as I go are all related to process. A professor of mine at CSU had me and my fellow students focus intensely upon taking our own ideas or those of a client through a process that will ultimately hit the target. I’ve learned that my skills as an artist are only as valuable as my ability to communicate. I am learning to ask good questions at the beginning of a commission that get answers I can make progress with. I’m building a structure for processes at different price points for different types of projects, so I’ve been exploring what works, and what doesn’t whether its murals, a drawing commission, logo design or any other challenge posed to me. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is dedicated to: My partner Emily – You raise me up, challenge me, and have always offered your love and support. You found me when I was painting, wasn’t sure whether I had a job (or hair) and saw in me a partner and an artist. My parents, Mark & Kathy – You’ve taught me what I know. You lead me down the path to being an artist. You taught me to hope, to be kind and to believe. My sisters Amy & Hannah – You’ve shown me love and support from the very beginning. You told me to follow the art. You’ve advocated for me and helped me to advocate for myself. My brothers Cole & Ryan – The commissions and challenges you’ve laid out before me, along with your encouragement have led me to be a better artist. To my leaders and colleagues at Wenk Associates, for shaping me as an artist, a critical thinker and a communicator. To the numerous clients and collaborators, friends who took a chance on me!

Website: www.dbuttonink.com
Instagram: @dbuttonink
Linkedin: @DrewButton

Image Credits
Select photos by Matt Nager Photography. All other photos used are my own. https://www.mattnager.com/