Meet Sharif Carter | Artist, Engineer, & Bike Racer.

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

Hi Sharif, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success as an artist is simple, show up. The more you participate in events and show your face, the easier it will be to build your brand and name recognition.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Before I moved to California, I was living in the Midwest fully immersed in the world of automotive engineering. Fresh out of college, I was focused on my career as an engineer and not as an artist. Although the passion was there, I rarely painted during those times. Then life happened, reality set in, and I was stripped from the engineering life I spent so much time crafting. My saving grace was my family who all lived in Southern California, so I booked a ticket to join them.

Immediately upon my arrival I decided to refocus on my art and the feeling of holding a paintbrush. I rented a studio at a gallery in Escondido. During my stay I was exposed to professional artists from California and around the world. I observed and absorbed everything creative that came my way. I soon found my voice and ventured out to other areas in SD. Ray at Night in North County SD and most notably Bar Basic in East Village SD. A pizza bar that was transformed into an artistic haven every Tuesday night by the founders of Thumbprint Gallery. It is here where I discovered performing live art and met some of the best street artists and DJs in San Diego. I was hooked. I was a resident live painter there for almost 10 years and became obsessed with the vibe of the crowd and electric charge from the live DJs. A new standard was set for my ultimate art studio, performing live in public with a crowd, band, or DJ.

I am most proud of my commercial success with my art. Most notably the wine labels that feature my works because of the perpetual exposure and reach is priceless.

In addition to developing a uniform body of work, to become a professional artist you must invest in your brand and marketing strategy. I enrolled in and was the subject of a Marketing class at Cal State Fullerton where students consulted with me to sharpen my brand and messaging. I also made an assertive effort to participate in events every week for at least 6 months.

One lesson I learned is: “you get out what you put in. Or, you just get lucky along the way!”

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?
First, I would start in my hometown of Temecula Valley wine country. After sipping award winning wines and enjoying the stunning views of the valley I would take them to Old Town Temecula, the “mini-Vegas strip” of the city and the location of my outdoor art studio at Baily’s Restaurant where I paint live every weekend.

Next, we would go south to Escondido. Hopefully the visit is between April and October where downtown Escondido turns into a classic car mecca every Friday. Of course we would have to visit my favorite Ice Cream shop, EscoGelato. The original owner, Suzanne, is responsible for jump starting my art career by selecting my art to be featured on Temecula wine labels.

Next of course is downtown SD through East Village and Barrio Logan. A good scene to support local talent and see some amazing murals and street art.

A detour through Solvang would be required to check out the amazing landscapes in this small Dutch-like city that sets you back in time and relaxes you.

Finally, to round out the trip we would go to Santa Monica Pier, DTLA, and Hollywood to do the usual SoCal stuff.

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?
A major portion of my success may be credited to my older sister, a fellow engineer. I’ve been walking in her large shadow since early childhood. She continuously drives me, challenges my thoughts & ideas, and mentors me through hardship brilliantly. .Although I resist her advice at first, I always come around and profit from her wisdom. Further, her 2 kids (my nephews) have provided unfiltered guidance that has opened my eyes to undiscovered opportunities.

Website: www.sharifcarterart.com

Instagram: @sharifcarter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharifcarterart/