“Success will only come with hard work, perseverance, and being resourceful.” --James SEXER Rodriguez
Making a living as an artist might seem unfeasible, but entrepreneur, James ‘SEXER’ Rodriguez, has managed to make art his life’s work. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the South Bronx, he began dabbling in cartoons as a youngster, but by the age of ten he was exhibiting his work at Gimbel's Department Store in Herald Square.
With encouragement from his grandfather, SEXER, as he's called, pursued his dream to become a professional artist at the prestigious High School of Art & Design in Manhattan. But he left his mark on New York's streets and subways through his tagging in the 1980s, only to parlay his graffiti into working for world-renowned brands such as Perrier, Taittinger Champagne, and Doubletree by Hilton. In addition to exhibiting his work around the country, he paints in the Bronx with the Tag Public Arts Project, and in Brooklyn with the Bushwick Collective.
For emerging artists trying to make a living from their art, SEXER advises, “Most beginner's venues may seem not so thrilling or glam, but it will gain you experience, exposure, and give you insight as to how the public reacts to your particular art.”
He says overnight success in the art world is rare and recommends artists add to their body of work and be ready for any exhibit or pop-up show. “If you don’t put your work out there, the world can’t see or love it,” he explained.”
Artists should invest in themselves, and set aside a portion from their day job to put towards their art. Have a good website, be active on social media, and show examples of your art on professionally designed pamphlets and business cards. “In the beginning it is hard, but you must hustle,” SEXER said. “First impressions last forever.”