ADAM O’DAY

Name: Adam O'Day

City & State: Abington, MA

Medium: Paint

Known for: Murals

Contact Information:
Website - http://www.adamjoday.com
E-mail -
Phone Number -

Can you tell us the exact moment you knew your art was the driving force in your journey?

It was Dec 2012. I was a naval engineer for 5 years out of college and that's when I decided to go full-time as an artist. My wife and even my supervisor at the time told me I was wasting my talent working for the department of defense.

Do you have a non-creative profession? If so, does it tie into your artistic work?

I'm a father, a fine art painter and muralist, nothing else.

Do you have a program similar to the No More Starving Artists Foundation in your community. If so how does it benefit your artistic path?

Not that I'm aware of, but I wish we did! However, Boston is very progressive, keeping artist opportunities open.

Do you feel that artists have control of their careers to pursue opportunities such as what you have to do? Or do they need a team to oversee this kind of responsibility?

I do wish I had help sometimes. But I've done it on my own for a dozen years now; and it's easy enough.

What does starving artist mean to you?

I go through some time periods with no income. Usually January and February are pretty bad. But October is usually pretty slow too.

Do you mentor other artists to guide them in the proper directions to help their careers?

I have mentored a handful of artists in the past few years. Yes.

Do you have a mentor that has helped you throughout your career?

I don't have a mentor per se, but I do have a group of friends. We all help each other out and pass around opportunities to each other.

Do you find it easy to live as a professional artist? Do you feel that artists should have an alternative plan or career rather than being a professional artist?

I always say, that one thing about the fine art profession is that most people can tell if you're any good or not. So your friends and family and other artists will be able to guide you and let you know if you should continue or have a backup plan.

Are there any artist that you idolize and/or respect? Both living and/or deceased.

My group of friends that are also professional artists are my heroes and my inspiration.

What words of encouragement do you have other artists for them to pursue their professional path?

First, always respond to emails and messages in a timely manner. Be kind and courteous. Be flexible and willing to do anything. Say yes until you can eventually say no. Show in coffee shops and restaurants. Be open-minded and collaborate as often as possible.