Matchstick Productions’ (MSP) partners Murray Wais, Steve Winter + Scott Gaffney have created some of the most important and groundbreaking ski films of all time. We sat down with Murray in MSP’s office in Crested Butte, Colorado, to talk about how they’re stayed relevant for 30 years, how they’ve navigated the digital revolution + how they’ve managed to maintain a healthy business partnership.
Illustrator Ted Kim’s early life revolved around skateboarding. But after being sidelined with a knee injury, Ted turned to drawing as an additional creative outlet. After gaining recognition for his intricate and imaginative way of storytelling in his work, Ted now sells his art all over the world. In our conversation, Ted shares why artists should follow their hearts and never force anything + why sharing a “good vibe” through his art is more important than making money.
Tucked away in a small mountain town in Alaska you’ll find painter Dawn Gerety who successfully transitioned from a 25-year career in graphic design into painting full time. In our conversation, Dawn shares the steps she took to create her new art career, how living in the right location can help you mentally thrive and why you sometimes have to do the work yourself to get the results you want.
After establishing himself as a sought-after tattoo artist and fine art painter in Columbus, Ohio, Scott Santee took a leap of faith and moved to Golden, Colorado. A self-taught artist, Scott’s always improving his tattooing + fine art skills through a never-ending process of trial and error. In our conversation Scott shares how being associated with the right local community can quickly grow your fan base and why using better quality paints, tools + materials matter.
John Fellows has made a name for himself creating fine art + also doing extensive work for companies like Red Bull, Element, Smartwool, Patagonia, Armada Skis + KEEN. His unique artistic style combines a mix of collaging, block printing + illustration, which has translated well into both sides of his business. In our conversation, John shares how live events has created a stronger fan base, why walking away from bad clients is important + why playing the long game has produced the strongest client partnerships.
On an unusually hot summer day in Anchorage, Alaska, we met up with abstract painter + muralist James Temte who told us it was his experience with art that helped him become proud of his Northern Cheyenne ancestry. He also learned that living a balanced and healthy lifestyle helps him produce his best possible work and that community involvement can help your name rise to the top for grants and other opportunities. Read on to learn more.
Hailey Morgan’s made Alaska her home and has embraced the state’s natural splendor by translating what she sees around her into her own unique style of art. She’s also a master at creating a very well-rounded and sustainable art business by selling in a number of different places. Learn the different sales avenues Hailey utilizes, what she does to produce the best results and how she sets herself apart from other artists.
Professional skier + writer Drew Petersen exudes a passion for what he does. He understands that the game has changed and has made the calculated decision to merge his skiing, storytelling and business acumen together to propel his career forward. In our conversation, Drew shares his creative process for skiing + writing, one crucial piece of advice for anyone wanting to be a pro athlete + what he wished he knew when starting out as a pro skier.
Cody Kuehl is an artist who’s generous with his time, loves helping others + puts effort into building a strong community of local artists who support one another. In our conversation, learn the importance of showing your work and developing thick skin + what his sales strategies are for festivals, conventions and shows.
