Meet Kevin Vigil of Mr Melty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Vigil.

Kevin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in the colorful and historical “Land of Enchantment”, otherwise known as New Mexico. The nature and landscapes I was surrounded with mixed with artistic influences at home from my Grandfather and Father shaped my interest in art. My artwork often consists of mountainous and desert landscapes layered with a unique kaleidoscopic-like vision. I’m formally educated with a BFA in Illustration and have been creating art professionally for over 13 years. Music and painting live at shows have also been a large part of what has shaped my love for psychedelic and visionary art. My passion for drawing and painting has also transformed into a career for art in the digital realm as I’ve been designing event posters in the music industry over a decade now.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The life of an artist is a rollercoaster of ups and downs and so many different rides. From the internal conceptual struggles to the technical and financial ones, the challenges are real. There have been moments in the past where I wasn’t sure if the road I was taking was the one I’m meant to be on but with time and hard work, I’ve become very confident in my art and the direction of my career. I believe that what keeps many artists going is the inherent need to create. I’m almost positive that my life wouldn’t be as fulfilling if art were not apart of it.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I’m first and foremost a painter and overtime have moved into an illustration career as well. Music has always been a big part of what I do in my art whether it’s a painting created at a music festival or a commission illustration for bands and events, I love being involved in the music industry. I also really enjoy sculpture, primarily wood sculpting but am looking forward to carving crystals and other materials.

I tend to jump around all over the place when creating and one of those things I jump back and forth with is painting 3D objects such as animal skulls and empty spray paint cans. Overall I think what sets me apart from others is the diversity in the mediums I choose to create from. I can tackle most any project and feel comfortable with it. That’s also what I’m most proud of to be honest.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My wife and my family deserve a gold medal for everything they’ve done to help me achieve my dreams of becoming a full-time artist. My parents have been art advocates for as long as I can remember, taking me to art shows and museums all over the world and keeping me interested and appreciative towards the arts. My Father who is also an incredible artist, has had a huge influence on me and was the first person to hand me a paintbrush and a canvas, for that I’ll be eternally grateful. Painting has been in my family’s blood for generations as my grandfather was also an amazing painter.

My sister also deserves some credit for where I am today. When I was about to graduate high school and debating that big life question of what I wanted to do with my life, my sister convinced me that the only career I’d be happy pursuing is a career in art. So I took her advice and saddled up for art school where I met my wife Taylor.

Taylor has been such an integral part of my journey as an artist, supporting me in so many ways. After college, it has been a long term goal of ours for her to manage my art career and after ten years of being together, we’ve finally realized that dream. She handles my online art shop, business relations and most of my social media. She’s the gears behind this creative machine. Without any of these people in my life helping steer me in the right direction, I don’t know where I’d be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mrmelty.com
• Email: mrmeltyart@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.melty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MRMELTYART/

Image Credit:
Images 3 and 4 were photographed by Nick Doyle in Denver, CO

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