Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Zirpolo.
Hi Nathan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
The story all starts in early 2020. I graduated from Marquette University with a major in Finance and concertation in Applied Investment Management in May 2020 and was supposed to start working in commercial banking as a credit analyst in July 2020. Because of Covid, my start date was pushed back from July to September. During college, I would draw but spent most of my time studying and applying for jobs in Finance.
Since my job got pushed back, I now had 5 months to do whatever I wanted. I already had a job lined up, so I decided to focus more on my art. I hadn’t really ever painted, and I never went to art school, so I bought a few canvases and started painting.
After I made a few paintings, I posted my art on Twitter, where it gains some traction. I then DMed and asked to make a painting of Bradley Beal (NBA player). I had never made art for someone before, but I did it because I was bored and had nothing better to do. When I finished the painting of Beal, I sent a picture to Bradley Beals’s wife on Instagram. She then responded and asked to buy the painting, to which I said no because I already sent the painting out. I told her I could make her a new one and she agreed.
So, I made her one, sent it, then she liked it so much she asked for three more. She then posted it on her Instagram, he posted it… and then it kind of took off. Her friends asked for some… and now I can say I have made art for a ton of athletes. One time, an NFL agent reached out to me and asked me to make custom art for all the players that made the Pro Bowl as a gift from the agency. The Full list is on my website. nathanzirpoloart.com and Instagram @nathanzirpoloart
This whole time, I’ve been working 40-50 hours a week in banking and painting when I’m free at night. Since I don’t have to rely on any income generated by art, I have recently donated my art to different charity fundraisers… I go to a charity. offer my commissioned work to their fundraiser, and make a custom piece for whoever wins the action item. So far, I have donated close to $7,000 of art to charities and I want to keep going…
So, it’s a fun balance. full-time job in banking, painting for athletes like Aaron Rodgers and Nick Chubb and raising money for charities in the process.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth at all, as I always have to balance my full-time job with the art. Sometimes I’m working 50 hours a week and paint another 50. But by balancing both, it has opened doors that wouldn’t have been there. I’m always trying to differentiate myself from other people and will continue to go down the path no one has gone down… no matter how long it takes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make colorful portraits using acrylic paint. They take anywhere from 20-30 hours to make. I’m most proud of making people’s favorite icons come to life. I think I am different from other artists as I work in banking. The income from corporate America makes me able to take risks and reduces the stress when I paint.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Network with people that can benefit from your presence/work, while you can also benefit from their connections/knowledge.
For instance, the people at the bank, all are a part of charities and organizations and are always looking for donation items. Then, I can go to different galas with the bank but also am there as an artist.
Pricing:
- people have paid over $2,000 for a painting but if it’s for charity I don’t really care how much it goes for. At the end of the day, I do this for fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: nathanzirpoloart.com
- Instagram: nathanzirpoloart
- Twitter: zirpolonathan
