Adam O'Day's path to becoming a professional artist is a testament to resilience and versatility. With degrees in Illustration and Design from The Art Institute of Boston, he navigated various careers—from nightclubs to the US Navy—while steadfastly pursuing his passion for art.
His work, a blend of representational and surreal styles, reflects his life's many facets. Balancing roles as a painter, muralist, father, and musician, O'Day draws inspiration from life, transforming everyday moments into vibrant, conceptual pieces.
Can you tell us about your process?
My art process with kids has become less insane over the years. I used to do it obsessively. Now I paint 2 or 3 times a week max. And I limit it to 4 hours.
Every 2 or so years I will switch from real to fantasy and back again.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a professional artist?
Even though I was always drawing and interested in art, I graduated from The Art Institute of Boston with 2 degrees: Illustration and Design. I worked at nightclubs, then as a designer for a printing press. Next, I worked a five year stint for the US Navy as an engineer and designer.
Between 2007-2017 I contributed to over 100 art shows and about 50 murals, getting the word out along the way. Even when I had full time jobs, I was continuing to create art, with plans to be a full-time artist as soon as I could afford it. 
When you are looking for inspiration, what resources do you turn to?
Currently, I'm in learning mode, where I paint from life, sketches and photo reference. But I will try to make my subjects relevant to conceptual surrealism pieces that will be painted later on.
Many times, I will get inspired from walks or bike rides. But I do have a passion for photography, which I have never really shared online. 
Finding the right rhythm to be productive can be a challenge, what advice do you have for staying productive and focused?
The best way to be productive is to take a break. I also find having other duties helps me romanticize getting back into the studio.
I tend to plan out my studio time ahead of time by giving myself 3 or 4 task ahead of time.
What is your advice for combating creative block?
I play music when art seems like a chore. And vice versa.
Give yourself time to dream. Sometimes I write down ideas when I am in between projects. Sometimes I color and paint with my kids. We go on hikes and bike rides. It's all part of the process.
As an artist, how do you measure your success? Can you recall a specific event or milestone(s) in your career that made you feel successful?
I used to do a lot of art shows at restaurants and coffee shops. There was one time I sold all 15 paintings in a show at Christopher's Pub in Cambridge Mass. My wife turned to me and said: "I guess you're going to quit your job now."
I worked as a Navy Engineer at the time - it's been 12 years since becoming a full-time artist. It was right around that time I hooked up with TurningArt as well. 
What advice do you have for artists who are beginning to build their careers?
Try to stay on top of emails. Be out there at other people's shows. Support each other as artists. Collaborate. Visibility comes with getting over yourself.
If you are humble, people are more likely to talk to you and want to hire you or support you. Bren Bataclan told me back in 2010 that successful artists are 50% great art and 50% great personality.
Do you consider yourself, and all artists, to be entrepreneurs? Why or why not?
I'd say it's mostly trade work, with dashes of entrepreneur, photographer, designer, public relations, administrator, teacher, student, chef, and public worker.
Failure is an inevitable part of success in any field. Do you have advice for overcoming setbacks?
For me, setbacks are such a part of it. If we say humble, we can thrive in our creativity.
The day I get rejected is the day I make a masterpiece. 
What sparked your interest in partnering with TurningArt? Has your experience with TurningArt differed from other art companies you have worked with?
TurningArt was the first print company I ever worked with.
It started when Jason met me at the infamous sold-out Christopher's show back in 2010. He told me it was the "Netflix of Art," and I said yes to everything back then. It's been a great platform.
It's different because Jason has always listened to my feedback and his team has always had my back. I've gone to weddings and vacations with some of the TA team over the years. So, yeah - that's pretty rare.
What does having your artwork in the workplace and other commercial or public spaces mean to you?
I think it's important to do public art as an artist. No matter what kind of artist you are. You are out there working out your stuff for the world to see. Many times, it's a costly endeavor, but it can manifest some profitable project too.
It's important to engage with your community, and also be willing to do things are temporary. Not everything we do has to be important or worthy of museums. Have fun, collaborate and enjoy it in the process!
To see more featured TurningArtists, return to our blog. To get Adam O'Day's art in your space, set up a free consultation with an Art Advisor here!
