Meet Matthew Schwab: Colorist + Artist

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

Hi Matthew, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Among the greatest feelings in my life was obtaining a business certificate from the registrar’s office. Everything about it felt right. It was born out of my desire to create art and design, to craft things of beauty that have meaning and impact. My business has changed a lot from when I started 15 years ago, and I can’t say it has been easy. However, to have the self-discipline, meeting and working with other creatives, and creating art every morning is a gift.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To be a good artist and designer you first need to be a good listener. You need to communicate clearly and, at times, set aside your ego. When I start a project I constantly ask myself how I can use my experience as a fine artist to answer the needs of a job. I started my company Roving Pictures Company after years as a freelance artist. I learned to build my own computer systems to offer a portable color grading solution for my clients. The technology also allowed easier access to my fine art digital painting and photography in tandem with color work. The lockdown from covid-19 has pushed me to redefine my business and to provide better remote services, and now I can do so across the globe. If I can sum up the aspects of keeping a business successful, I’d say patience, self-discipline, adaptability, and perseverance. It’s not easy, especially in a creative world when your portfolio you sell is your identity. But the hard, busy work can be fun and incredibly rewarding and wakes me up before dawn each day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In spite of SoCal having a reputation of terrible traffic, there are some really incredible drives to go on. In this covid era, my recommendation would be to explore out of town. Find those beautiful highways along the coast or inland. But come back for that nice glass of wine or margarita at the end of the day at a local bar or restaurant.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents are both designers and fine artists. My father was a creative director in advertising (now a professor at IU) and my mother is a fine art painter. They always pushed and leant their support, but also taught me that they only want happiness for me. I’ve had many professional mentors along the way, and I appreciate all the people that have leant their time helping me to grow. Director Vic Huber has been my friend and mentor since I began my road into the professional art world. He was always so frank, understanding, but especially motivating.

My partner, since starting Roving Pictures Company, has been my wife Natalie. Being an accomplished producer for many years before switching careers to write, she worked with me during our transition to Southern California. She’s always there for support, advice, and sometimes simply to listen. One of the things I have learned from our relationship is that no one is an island when it comes to fulfillment both professionally and personally.

Website: www.mattschwab.com
Instagram: @mattschwabcolorist
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewschwab/
Twitter: @MattSchwabColor

Image Credits
Director Victor Huber Director Adam Bagger and Andy Maser