Artist Spotlight: Captain Casual

​So, we are starting a new blog series spotlighting all of the amazing artists we have discovered along our design journey. Today we’d like to introduce you to Captain Casual, a graffiti artist based in the DFW area. 

SGD: So, should I call you Captain Casual? Just Captain? 
CC: Captain Casual is good! 
SGD: OK, Captain Casual. Can you briefly walk us through your story? How you
started and how you got to where you are today?
CC: My story is an interesting one. I haven’t always been an artist. I actually was a stock and options trader for quite a while. And of course we’ll get into it in a second; but after dying and coming back to life, I completely changed my life around. I actually like to think I just woke up as Captain Casual. People know me for my bright colors and happiness, but what they don’t know is that it’s rooted deep in an appreciation for life and the desire to spread joy. I didn’t study art in college, and I’ve never taken any lessons. But I do know a lot about happiness and the colors just seem to flow, truth be told I’m completely winging it. But I think that’s something we find out as we grow older, that everyone is winging it.
SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
CC: Being an artist is never a smooth ride. I don’t think it’s supposed to be. That’s one of the ways I got the name casual. Because no matter how crazy life gets, I stay casual. I mean, other than dying, of course. My road has been a bumpy one but I like to think I’m paving it for others. My whole mission of color and happiness is meant to smooth the ride for others. A warm feeling on a cold day. Struggles come in all shapes and sizes, last month I sprained my thumb, couldn’t paint with a brush all month so I just spray painted everything. Haha just adapting and trying to stay casual.
SGD: It's obvious that we are impressed by you and your talent. Tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others?
CC: I think one of the things that sets me apart from other artists is my understanding of colors and how they all work together. When used correctly they can elicit emotions, excite you, or even motivate you. You see, motivating people to be happier and kinder to one another is top priority for me. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m on my second life right now! Not everyone gets a second chance and I try to take full advantage of it. When time is approached as a scarce asset rather than something to pass, you realize the beauty in even the smallest of everyday occurrences. My wife also helps me out so much, she does virtually everything that isn’t painting, true team player and trooper, because believe it or not, I wake up with this amount of energy and I know it has to be exhausting.
SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career?
CC: Advice for other artists, hmm... to stay true to yourself, do it for fun, appreciate your own work and only compare yourself that. Oh, and of course, and most importantly, just be casual. ​

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Check out Captain Casual and his work here: 
Instagram: @captaincasual
Website: Captain Casual Art
We are always on the hunt for new and colorful artists to work with. Email us if you are an artist or know one that would be a good fit for SGD!