Zack is an oil painter from Reading, PA who specializes in dark art.  And not just any dark art, but the kind of dark art that will make you remember all the long-forgotten, repressed nightmares from your childhood. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/zackdunn In this episode, Zack discusses: -How he got started with dark art as a coping mechanism after coming back from his tour of Afghanistan. -How painting always helps with the day-to-day stress of life. -How he deals with criticism of his work. -The value of having fans who support him wholeheartedly. -His strategy for painting over his pieces that haven’t sold in a year. -How he wants to show himself and other people how much progress you can make if you put in the time dedication into your art every day. -The importance of looking back into the past and comparing it to your present like a “before” and “after” picture when you are trying to lose weight. -How he hasn’t encountered too many “hard times” from anyone in the art world, as everyone has been extremely supportive and patient. -What art and creativity brings to his life. -The story of his piece “Valak” from The Conjuring and how the director, James Wan, reached out to him to tell him how much he liked it. Zack's Final Push will inspire you to be in it one-hundred percent! Quotes: “I was looking into other ways to cope than medication.” “Painting always helps.” “I kinda get lost in it and forget the world around me.” “It’s awesome.  I love my fans and the support they give me.  I owe everything to them.” “It’s your life, it’s your goal, it’s your dream.  You can’t let people influence that because they don’t own you.” “You have to want to get better.” “I try to show people the changes that just one year of dedication can do if you really put yourself through it.” “You really have to put those comparisons together so you can see the changes.” “A lot of artists will say that paintings are like their kids.  You created it.  It’s a part of you.” “Every time I complete a piece it’s like winning the lottery.” “I learned art through my generation and a couple generations before me.  That’s about it.” “Don’t let people get in the way.” Connect with Zack: Etsy / Instagram