Meet Trey Opp | Artist / Muralist / Owner

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

Hi Trey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
—- Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career? Ever since I was a little boy, I had a love for art and seeing beauty in the little things that most people would never even notice. I challenged myself to create things that I could see in my mind but couldn’t quite describe in words, but I could translate my idea with my hands and actually make something tangible so that I could share what I was seeing inside me. I kept my passion alive and it organically grew into my career.

—- What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Covid turned into what I like to say “My Blessing In Disguise”. I had a lot more free time on my hands and started taking on commissions. Before I knew it I was working on my art full time to keep up with the demand. and it quickly formed into where I am today! I would say if you stay persistent, follow your heart and do what you love. it will blossom into more than just a vision in the end.

—- Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
Without risk I would not be where I am today. Risk plays a substantial role in my life since moving from a my small hometown in Mandan, North Dakota to Florida by myself at the age of 18 with only a few thousand dollars to my name. Leaving not only my entire family/friends but even passing up on college scholarships.
As a risk taker I like to make every new project/commission an opportunity for my mind to explore and take on a challenge.
Which is why every risk to me = a reward as long as I give it my all, I’ll learn and grow and create something special with an experience and story to be told.

— Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
I believe balance is key to success. Over time my balance has evolved, at first it was sleepless nights and now I pace myself as I get busier and take on more challenging projects. As many would say “balance and moderation” but in the mind of an artist, creativity can come at the most random times. I personally get the most creative at night. I find it hard to stop myself as im so excited seeing the art come to life and I don’t feel like i’m working when I’m doing what I love. So I always feel like i’m JUST living life.
I truly get inspired from putting down the brushes and traveling/meeting people and going out and enjoying life which is turn I use that as inspiration and creative memories when I paint.

–Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?
My favorite affirmation is: Positivity Radiates; to me these words I show in my daily actions and presence by staying positive and not letting negative situations or negativity bother me. Staying positive keeps my mind strong, motivated and allows my creativity to flow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I look at my art as an experience, a tangible memory that can be remembered.

My design philosophy as ToppArtist, is that every work should be eye catching, unique, and ultimately fun. I do better under pressure and love to challenge myself with each new piece. A major majority of my work is commission based from detailed paintings to murals and furniture. I love to woodwork and build everything I paint. My favourite mediums are Acrylic paints, charcoal, of course resin.

What I am most proud of is the milestones I have reached in such a short period of time with each new project it gets me excited for the future and just how far I can take it.

I got to where I am today by being myself, being real, and pouring my heart into each piece of work I create. It can be hard at times, mostly to know when to stop and put the brush down. Ultimately, I believe that’s what sets me apart from others; the depths I go to make a piece that I am confident and proud to put my name on.

What I want my legacy to be and for people to remember about me is that my art is a representation of myself and my outlook on life. I hope it brings Joy and happiness while continuing to spark conversation, love, excitement and emotions. An endless experience that never loses its wow factor.

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.
If my best friend was visiting for a week and I wanted to show them the best time ever. I would plan a relaxing and active week starting with group fitness (HIIT) classes at Bodytek Fitness Wilton Manors, a few days at the Fort Lauderdale Beach to soak up the sun and go jet skiing, or go kayaking through the intercostal. A day trip to Wynwood, Miami to see art murals followed by heading over to check out my “Mural at Sunshine Cathedral” in Fort Lauderdale.
Lastly I’d enjoy taking them out for dinner and drinks on Los Olas or my favorite which is a little M&M which means going to get massages followed by going to the movies at AMC Coral Ridge Dine-In.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Although I feel like so many people support me and supported my journey. I would like to recognize not only my friends and art teachers. But mostly my mom who always encouraged me at a very young age to have fun and pursue my spontaneous ideas and artistic dreams. Her love and positive outlook always let me back to being optimistic and overly creative on my thoughts and ideas.
Later in life my partner Mikey who allowed me to grow and supported my journey as I transitioned into art full time.

Website: https://www.toppartist.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toppartist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/topp_artist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toppartistinfo/

Other: Email: Trey@toppartist.com