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

Hi Mark, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Proper Mental Attitude became a creed and lifestyle long before it became a creative process and art business for me . Borne out of a need to focus and maintain a modicum of normalcy while my older son ,Jared, fought cancer . It was through art that we remained united using our talents and cynical ,yet whimsical , sense of humors to create cartoons . After his death, Proper Mental Attitude became a refuge giving me the opportunity to continue using my art to find purpose and inspiration as a way to pay homage to an eight year old’s life well lived and loved .

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.
Inspired by color and form I attempt to create my own vision of what is or could be while attempting to stay true to my expressionist style using a variety of medium including acrylics on canvas or paper and pen and ink on paper . Each piece is heavily influenced by a mood, memory, longing or insight . The artistic journey has been fulfilling but not without challenges financially and creatively . For me , the key has always been not to take myself too seriously and to listen to others’ experiences and critiques. My art ,as my life , is a series of processes . I’ve always believed that one cannot find success (whatever that means to someone ) without stumbles along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our friends, like us , appreciate culture and food . One day we might venture to the Norton Museum in West Palm and then over to The Avocado Grill for dinner/happy hour . Another day we would head to Miami to Versailles and then to Little Havana for some Cuban food and then …maybe over to Wynwood to the galleries , Wall and dessert

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jared Allen …his own artistic abilities and sense of humor jump started the creative journey for me again . He motivated me to keep laughing and remain grateful despite his struggles . Together we found the silver linings in even the darkest clouds . Perry Allen ….a talented artist/musician in his own right Perry’s ability to persevere with grace and dignity challenges me to continue growing as a person and artist .

Website: www.ProperMentalAttitude.com
Instagram: propmentalattitude
Facebook: Mark Allen/ProperMentalAttitude