Spotlight Interview : Jason Nathan
Montreal is one of the biggest hubs in the world for artists. The amount of school programs that centre around art, events throughout the year that promote artists as well as a strong online community of montreal artists, make it truly special.
I recently got a chance to interview Jason Nathan, an independent montreal artist , about what it's like to be an artist in 2017, the challenges that come with it in terms of competition, spotlight, and what the importance of being a public figure in this day and age
1- Hey there Jason, I personally know you, but not everyone has had the privilege! So briefly tell the readers what kind of art do you make & what inspires you?
Hey Fadel haha. The type of art I make is different yet the same as many. I like to stick to cartoons & anime but yet, once in a while touch realistic drawings/paintings since I do enjoy doing those too. Video games were my biggest inspiration for drawing but what really got me to start was anime since I wanted to draw characters and make some of my own.
2 - What is it like being an artist in Montreal?
Being an artist in Montreal feels amazing yet it sucks. It feels like I got a million of opportunities yet none at the same time. Its great since many video game & animation companies are in Montreal but its really tough to get in since its so competitive.
3 - You mentioned competition there. It must be challenging to try becoming a well known artist in 2017, considering how easy it is for everyone to display there art thanks to the internet. What do you personally believe is the best way to get the work out there & Marketing it so that a broad amount of people can see your work?
It is hard since nowadays anybody can consider themselves an artist but only the best and real art are the ones shining. That kind of art inspires everyone. Instagram and Deviant art are the two top sites for marking yourself on. They are both media platforms that allow us artists to shine and be able to get the exposure we deserve.
4 - What do you think about the idea of selling art? Is it becoming more of a challenge due to the simplicity of people downloading/seeing images online?
I never enjoyed selling my art since I personally enjoy keeping it and not losing it (I'm not rich enough or have enough time to mass produce my art haha). I always saw my art as a timeline but sadly as I grew older I had to make money some how. Selling art was the only option I had. It is interresting how the internet helped me develop and grow with my art but at the same time get people stealing my art and calling it theres. A lot if copyright happens and yet nothing is done about it, which is a definite challenge that comes with displaying art on the internet.
5 - And Finally, Do you believe that an artist being a public figure, as in, someone people can relate to/talk to/posts regularly online/ has a youtube channel etc. is a factor nowadays? Or should the art speak for itself?
I believe in both to be honest. Art is a form that can be shown whichever way you want however you want. Some artist like Bansky do it with out having to be on YouTube or Insta. Nobody even knows who he is truly but his art is known because we see it on everyday brick walls on streets. But also seeing people on social media showing up, their art inspires many so it does help in that way as well. Art will always be art, it can be explained or let it have a story of its own depending on who you ask.
There you have it folks! Hope this interview gave you a bit of insight on Jason, his art, and his perspective about being an artist in the crowded, competitive market that will live in, this day and age!
