Meet Jeremy Palko | Actor and Original Artist

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

Hi Jeremy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, boredom and luck. When the world was turned upside down during the pandemic, it forced a lot of people to discover new hobbies and ways to keep themselves busy. I was lucky enough to discover a new passion in art that has since changed my life and created my own business. “Art By Palko” was really only possible because of my other profession as an actor though. I have been an actor for almost 20 years and have been lucky enough to be on a few shows such as The Walking Dead. It is this family-type fan base, whether through social media or comic con interaction that has allowed a starting platform in which to showcase my art. I am truly grateful for the amazing love and support.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I tell people most days I’m an actor, and other days I’m an artist. I have been acting professionally since 2008 where I became a member of the Screen Actors Guild for my first acting role in the movie Never Back Down. I did years of extra work on everything from commercials, to movies, to theme parks and everything in between before I started auditioning for speaking roles. (Full list on www.IMDB.com)

Painting has been a new passion that started during the pandemic. A passionate hobby that has turned into my own business. (www.ArtByPalko.com) I’m very proud of my art because it is from me. It’s not a script with other people’s words or ideas, but something that comes from me and whatever is inspiring me in that moment. All my artwork is original. I never do prints or duplicates. I feel that would take away the originality of owning a piece. Painting is an amazing way to stay creative between the auditions as well. I would recommend it to anyone.

The life of an actor and artist is never easy. Every day, week, and month can be littered with rejection or worse, silence. I’ve learned that to be in this business you have to find the reasons to enjoy it. To understand the ups and downs. You truly need to be happy in what you are pursuing and not the immediate results. The uncertainty will always be there. But if you love it, everything will add value to your life if you are open to the experience.

This is tough business and the one thing I am proud of my self for is being persistent and forgiving of myself when things don’t go the way I want. It took a long while to realize, but I would give that advice to any young actor starting out. Know that it will be tough, but if you love doing it, what else would you want to do with your time?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I travel quite a bit between Orlando and Atlanta which gives a lot of amazing options. In Atlanta I will start with my love of the Atlanta Braves and a baseball game. Hiking is what I do with most of my free time, so next would be a hike at Sweet Water Creek which is absolutely beautiful here in Georgia. In Orlando, you can never really wrong with a day at a theme park. I have worked for both of the major ones and each has its appeal. Disney Springs would be a good way to end the night with food and drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my family. They have always been the most supportive in every adventure I take whether it be wanting to work on a Disney Cruise ship, pretend for a living, or start my own art business. They just go with it with love and support unquestioned. Of course my agent Traci Danielle at Brevard Talent Group who has taken care of me and so many other amazing actors here in the Southeast. When it comes to my artwork, I would really have to thank the Walking Dead family. It is not easy for any artist to get there work out there in the world. It was truly helpful to have to support from so many early on simply because I was part of that world.

Website: www.ArtByPalko.com

Instagram: ArtByPalko

Linkedin: Jeremy Palko

Twitter: JeremyPalko

Facebook: ArtByPalko

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Palko27

Image Credits
AMC The Walking Dead Head shot: Chase Anderson Photography