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

Hi Evan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I personally prefer the term creative gambling to “risk taking”. I implemented creative gambling in almost every professional and artistic endeavors that I pursue. When I have an idea for a project that I want to fulfill for myself I’m aware that it might fail, that it might fall short of perfect and that there will inevitably be kinks to work out in the process. But those “problems” are what I need to happen in order to overcome the challenges and be prepared for doing it agin. Bigger and better. But when going after opportunities that aren’t presented to you it’s a gamble. I’ve conceptualized, outlined and invested time, energy and money into things that I had no idea would catch traction or not. You bring this idea fully fleshed out to others in hopes that people will want to back it, support it or invest in it. That too is a gamble cause it might not work out. In my experience it does more often then not. But for me even when it doesn’t it’s not a loss. It’s just practice on creating ideas. Building pitch decks approaching support. And the next time I have to do it all I’m better at it. Creative gambling/risk taking/going for a dream all boil down to the same thing, shooting for the best and not knowing the results. Think it through visualize every possible outcome and prepare for them. But don’t ever doubt your passion or fear it won’t work out. The only place hesitation will get you is exactly where you are. I’ve known that my whole life and refuse to not move forward. There’s too much work to be done.

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.
Like most artists I’ve had an affinity for creating from a very early age. But unlike most artist I know, I started my career as a professional artist (tattooing) at the young age of 15. This career and passion put me through art school and allowed my eyes to be open to other artistic pursuits as well. It’s weird to me to think that at 36 I’ve been professionally making art longer then I’ve not. An issue I’ve always had was all my different interests being so drastically different to one another, from tattooing to graffiti to murals to fine art painting. All in different styles. Trying to balance the amount of work that goes into it and the progression made in each as well. Now after 20yrs I feel that the overlap has begun and that these different “identities” of mine seem more like one voice and that a common hand can be recognized. I believe that my preferred subject matter of animals and nature based work has helped. But hopefully style also plays a part.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
With my life being so centered around my art and the time thats needed to go into it, I have to admit that I’ve never been much of a host. The fact that I’ve never drank alcohol or was much of a social person hasn’t helped. So when friends visit me from out of town they, unfortunately are victims to my interests. They will most likely get a tour of my tattoo studio, then a quick run to my paint studio. Or any of the amazing museums philadelphia has to offer. Hit any of the restaurants in Philly around my neighborhood. Then head to the woods for a hike and some reference searching. Possibly a drive to check out some trains (weird hobby of mine) then back to a studio to make some work! Now more often then not, my friends are friends for a reason, they are probably also hard working creatives. So this itinerary usually bodes well.

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?
In the many avenues of my artistic career, through the twists and turns I have to acknowledge Nick Baxter for being an inspiration and friend. Working along side him taught me the true meaning of dedication and focus. Their are many more people along the way that have provided mentorship, guidance, inspiration and collaboration I’d like to thank. But the accumulation of all those lessons learned finally clicked wile working alongside Nick. So thank you buddy for the vindication that my path had no dead ends.

Website: ELovettArt.com

Instagram: @EvanLovett @EvanLovett_art

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