By Kristen Fields, DVI Intern
First-time Art Walk vendor, Bryan Collins, shared with us his favorite things about drawing and future plans for Bryan Collins Art & Illustration.
Q: What first brought you to participate in the First Wednesday Art Walk? 
How long have you been a vendor?
I first heard about Art Walk from patrons who found me at other art shows. I was encouraged to start exhibiting at Art Walk by Sabina Escalada, a fellow artist and Art Walk exhibitor. My first Art Walk participation was February 2016.
Q: What is your favorite thing about participating in Art Walk?
I enjoy meeting art lovers and getting out of the studio. I am inspired by conversations I have with people who stop by my booth. I always leave feeling recharged and motivated to create new and better work.
Q: How/when did you become first interested in drawing?
Like most kids, I loved to draw and color, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I truly became obsessed with art. Drawing became a way to deal with the struggles of growing up.
Q: What is your favorite thing about drawing?
Thoughts are secret and mysterious, but drawings are like maps of a person’s mind. You can tell so much about a person by what he or she creates. Art is a way to reach parts of the soul that are otherwise often ignored.
Q: What things inspire you to create your drawings?
Music lyrics are a great source of inspiration for me. I see songs play out like movies in my head. I also love marine life and my guilty pleasure is video games. I sometimes make art based on all of those things; sometimes all of them at once.
Q: What are your other hobbies?
Other than the video games, I enjoy kayaking, fishing, being on the beach and spending time on my boat. I have an amazing, supportive family who does all of these things with me.
Q: What plans do you have for the future of Bryan Collins Art & Illustration?
I have just started a clothing line called Shore Lore Apparel. All of the designs are hand drawn and we donate a portion of all proceeds to marine rehabilitation and conservancy. I plan on taking this line as far as it can go with the help and support of the people who wear and represent Shore Lore. As for my fine art pieces, I will keep pushing to make better, more emotional art and getting it out there however I can. 
Q: Do you have any good advice for emerging artists?
Just don’t stop. Being an artist means wearing your heart on your sleeve, which can naturally cause a lot of heartbreak. Art is a roller coaster of emotion but that’s part of the experience. Don’t let obstacles, challenges and failures slow you down. Make thousands of pieces and roll with the punches. Remember your failures are opportunities to grow, so keep growing.
Interested in checking out what Bryan Collins Art & Illustration and other local artists have to offer? Be sure to check out the March 2 Art Walk from, 5-9 p.m. This month’s “Shamrockin’ Downtown” Art Walk has live music, performances, food truck village plus more! For full Art Walk details visit, www.iloveartwalk.com.