Justin Hopkins is a talented artist from, originally from Mukilteo, Washington.  After graduating from high school, Justin was hired by legendary illustrator Charles White III and he also created works for Google, Red Bull, Wired Magazine, Pabst, and ESPN.  Now, Justin works almost exclusively with oils and divides his time between New York and California. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/justinhopkins In this episode, Justin discusses: -The influence that his parents had on him growing up as an artist. -The difference between having technical skills and being able to say something of substance via your voice. -How he started to work as an illustrator at the age of 14, and how he grew to hate it. -His experience as a musician. -The idea of needing to cleanse your creative palette with different mediums. -The experimentation that he pursues in his art. -Aphex Twin and his style of experimentation that allowed people to explore a new type of music that they wouldn’t otherwise. -How every piece he does is something he hasn’t done before and the end product is either in the trash or on the wall. -The reason why he leaves out certain elements of his paintings. -His process for starting a piece. -The experience of working for Charles White III. -How to get past the influences of the artists you look up to or have been emulating. -The idea of becoming a more empathetic and well-rounded human being. -NOH / WAVE -How he balances his time and the sacrifices that he has to sometimes make. -The story of one of his high school art teachers that demoralized him. Justin's Final Push will inspire you to drive with all your might towards your goals, even if it results in you realizing that your creative efforts were meant elsewhere.   Quotes: “Being an illustrator is like being in boot camp because you have to be of high quality and you have deadlines.” “The more abstract thought processes of music is what made me find the creative thing I was looking for, and then from there I rediscovered painting after not doing it for almost ten years.” “The most interesting thing about painting to me is the fact that you can make up your own rules and there’s an infinite amount of ways to approach a piece.” “Every piece that I do has some huge level of experimentation where it could completely ruin the piece.” “Be a well-rounded, observant, curious, empathetic person.” “If I don’t paint, I become kind of a meaner person.” “Not everyone can be and should be an artist.  It takes a certain kind of psychosis to want to do something like this.” Links mentioned: Artist Decoded Podcast NOH / WAVE Connect with Justin: Website / Facebook / Instagram / _Lo Collective What big risks have you made with your creative endeavor recently?  Join that discussion at the Facebook group!