Meet Matteo Miles | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Matteo, how do you think about risk?
The three qualities and skills that were most impactful to taking risks in my creative career to me are speaking up, trying new mediums and connecting with other artists.
Asking questions and taking initiative is so important with talking about a project with a client, there’s nothing worse than not being on the same page with someone else’s imagination. Yes, I want them to trust me but I love knowing they are satisfied with seeing exactly what they were envisioning.
I’m getting closer to figuring out my own personal style. Learning anything from spray-painting to oil or collage, I love exploring so many different mediums that I enjoy being able to apply the broad versatility in my work.
Connecting with other artists online or locally, new or experienced has made me more comfortable with sharing knowledge to the craft and business of it. We’re all learning here and it’s nice to see the diversity of how we apply those skills and support each other’s style.
Taking risks is a vulnerable thing to do, but it is the foundation for innovation, change and creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The thing I hear about the most when I am told from someone who sees my artwork is how versatile it can be. I pride myself In constantly trying out new techniques and Ideas for whatever the project may require. I am most proud of the finished product after a challenging project, and being 100% happy with it as well as the client. I got to where I am today professionally with the help of the clients I met along my journey. With each project finished successfully they saw the potential in me to apply my skills in higher areas, it wasn’t easy adjusting to the jobs or projects that weren’t exactly right for me but I did them, whether I thought it was good or not. I overcame these decisions by saying no to things and not just choosing money over integrity. This eventually increased my stock and value I saw in myself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I travel quite a bit but I am proud to call Greenville, South Carolina my home. It has been a growing city for some time now but the energy is thriving and there’s always something new going on. I would introduce them to the downtown area where there are plenty of different foodie spots as well as waterfall park areas within reach. I would take them to my favorite restaurant Jianna, an upscale open air italian restaurant with the best oysters spread. Lana Del Rey came here once and ordered a diet coke with lime. After that we ride the trolly to a cute speakeasy called Vault & Vator and then jump to my favorite late night bar called Society. I bartend here sometimes and have helped out with some artwork when they opened. I always run into someone I know and the late night food is excellent, always a story by the time I leave. I always describe Greenville like a sexy little christmas town with all the lights and holiday themed decor. I’m pretty sure a Hallmark movie has been filmed here.

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?
I want to shoutout everyone throughout my journey that believed in trusting the process of my creativity. The family I was able to grow close with who saw firsthand the capability I had inside me first and become my truest self doing what I felt was best for me. I thank my mentors who encouraged me to use my talents as often as I can and not grow tired or discouraged during the formative years of my education. The love from my friends and people I’ve met along the way who are excited to always see what I am creating next, and not afraid to share opinions that were critical but necessary for growth in the future. And lastly, I thank myself for learning to accept the bouts of imposter syndrome. By recognizing the value and trusting my abilities, I’ve been able to control the self-doubt often associated with imposter syndrome, to believe in the internal success and allow the creativity to flourish a little better.

Website: https://www.matteom.com

Instagram: @matteomilesmurals

Image Credits
Celina Odeh

Jack Robert