Meet Tomplexx: artist

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

Hi Tomplexx, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
What makes me happy is simple. Spending time with my family is number one. Any sort of couch potato activity, video gaming, binge watching Netflix, basically anything where laziness and entertainment are priority uno! But, I also love painting what I want to paint! I no longer do commissions anymore because they sucked the fun out of painting for me. I began to hate painting and look at it like homework. Now I paint what I want and it not only attracts more people, but is once again a form of fun for me, which makes me happy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art as far as my 2020 collection was based off the idea that I wanted to pay respects to entertainers that influenced me and my life that have passed away. My goal was to paint 20 24×36 portraits in 2020 (1 year) it didn’t start this way. It just started with me being upset about Nipsey hussle’s death, so I painted him. It turned out to be a really popular piece. So I began to do more, and I set that 1 year goal. My plan was to advertise at least $100 a month on Instagram ads and not sell any paintings or prints until the entire collection was finished at the end of the year. This drove up interest on my page. I also gave free early prints to “influencers” in turn for a post and shout out. Then at the end of the year I made an e commerce store and sold prints and originals. This was all just my 2020 goals and it was successful in my eyes. I have tried and failed since I was 18 to sell art. I just didn’t have the formula right. I learned so many small lessons. The biggest one is get a down payment. Don’t do commissions! If you do, have a solid contract. Don’t listen when people tell you not to do things if you know it needs to be done in your gut.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m an introvert so this isn’t really a great question for me. I like to avoid people and large crowds. Especially now with Covid. But if I had to, I would air bnb it on a beach for sure anywhere south of west palm beach. Jupiter is nice too. We would have to eat good, drink good, smoke good, and have good views. Definitely rooftop dining. Chill Outdoor bars with small crowds and strong drinks. Maybe see a show at the bb&t center or Kravis center depending on what’s showing. Also you gotta have physical activity! If they skate, hit up the skatepark! Walk a trail, kayaking is so much fun, fishing, boating all that good stuff! 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?
My parents are the most important part to my puzzle. I had loving parents that invested in my talent. Vernon Grant is who I owe A lot to as far as a mentor that encouraged me to take my art seriously and guide me for the years I was in his classroom in college. My first middle school art teacher Mr Fallon gave me the tools to measure with my eye and get proportion correct. Mrs, jewel, my 5th grade art teacher put me in my first art show. She started everything and made my parents aware of my talent. Blue, my boss from my tattoo shop. Took me in with no apprenticeship and believed in me 100%. My fiancé for always encouraging me along the way.

Website: tomplexx.bigcartel.com
Instagram: @tomplexx