Clean Break with Matt Gondek

Welcome to the new and improved Clean Break Podcast! For our first episode back, we're laser focusing on one particular topic - How to price your artwork and make your very first sales. Gondek is joined by Patrick of AlwaysArt, our podcast partner. Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career.

Simone Legno is the creative director and founder of TokiDoki - an internationally recognized and iconic lifestyle brand. Dharni is a Singaporeon Beatboxer whose traveled the world competing. We interviewed them both recently during the Culture Cartel Expo in Singapore. Clean Break will return for our new season Mid-January 2023. For now, enjoy this bonus episode.

Artists Sage Barnes and Julia Mercanti Bonus episode! Clean Break returns January 2023. For now, enjoy the episode with artists Sage and Julia recorded Live during Yorkville Mural Festival in Toronto Canada in collaboration with Stock X

Tal Cooperman - Executive Creative Director for Station Casinos and Business Owner From getting his start at Tribal Streetwear and gifting product to bands like Linkin Park, starting successful companies like ResQWater and luxury hot sauce brand TRUFF, to the entertainment and casino business - where Tal helped revitalize PALMS casino by placing artwork from Damien Hirst, Murakami, KAWS, etc. We cover a lot in this episode. IG @Tallywood

Gregory Siff - Artist Child actor turned contemporary artist, Gregory describes how using visual art helped deal with emotions of bad auditions and losing a loved one. We discuss his origins in street art, finding help to push out his message, and the importance of mental health. IG @GregorySiff

Dalek - Artist We cover a lot of ground in this extensive look at Dalek's long and varied career. The origins of his iconic Space Monkey character, moving from the New York art scene to North Carolina, changing artistic styles in the middle of his career, working with commercial brands, and more. Dalek has done it all. IG @Dalek2020

Craola - Artist Craola has made a name for himself through his hyper detailed paintings that blend pop culture, the surreal, and his ever growing world. We get into how his career began, how he's still pushing to improve his work, and other facets of his legendary career. IG @Craola

Avery Andon - Gallery Owner and Artist Manager Avery is known for a variety of ventures - most notably his gallery ArtLife (which sells Blue Chip artwork online) and managing his brother and artist Alec Monopoly. Finding success in both, he now has turned his attention to NFT's, and his new platform ArtGrails. IG @AveryAndon

OG Slick - Artist With a 30+ year career in graffiti, fine art, sculpture, and now NFT's - OG Slick is a legend in the art community. We discuss the origin of the LA hands - his iconic piece, and lots of other stories from his careers in streetwear, painting the world, and working with celebrities like DeadMaus. IG @OG_Slick

ThankYouX - Artist ThankYouX is an artist who isn't afraid to completely charge their style and practice when things get stale. We discuss his recent exhibition "Convergence" which melds the physical world with digital, his thought process behind creating bodies of work, and using the clubhouse app to find likeminded people. IG @ThankYouX

Luke Chueh - Fine Artist A living legend - Luke discusses the origins of his widely known Bear character, overcoming addiction, the different generations of "Low Brow" artists, his recent exhibition "Intensive Purposes" and tons more. IG @LukeChueh

Superplastic has produced and sold millions of dollars in limited-edition designer toys and apparel since launching in 2018. Owner Paul Budnitz (founder of Kid Robot) and Executive Creative Director Galen McKamy stop by to discuss building the brand, and Superplastic's new collaboration with Clean Break's host - Gondek IG @superplastic

Slime Sunday - Digital Collage Artist Slime Sunday, AKA Mike Parisella, talks about moving from commercial projects to fine art via NFT's, how his work is produced, and the future of creative freelance. IG @SlimeSunday

HOODASS - Artist Hoodass stops by to discuss how he became one of the most followed 3D artists in the world, how he created his "Pop Culture Dystopia" series, and the jobs he worked before transitioning to fine art. IG @hoodass

Mad Dog Jones - Artist Mad Dog's style of colorful and hyper detailed illustrations have earned him a spot among the most well respected artists in the recent NFT scene. We speak about transitioning to art from being a touring musician, growing his social media following, and general advice for artists. IG @mad.dog.jones

Episode 131 - Beeple Beeple has created and posted one new piece of artwork daily online for the last 13 years. His recent NFT release brought tons of new attention and wealth. IG @Beeple_Crap

Whisbe - Fine Artist and Sculptor We discuss Whisbe's sculpture and installation work and the process of creating them. IG- @Whisbe

Jason stops by to discuss his new book Live Life Colorfully. We also discuss his transition from commercial to fine art. IG: @JasonNaylor

David Horvath - Creator of UglyDolls We speak to David about taking his idea, Ugly Dolls , and turning into a worldwide brand that covers Toys, Books, Network television shows, and a Hollywood Movie.

Andrew Hosner of Thinkspace Gallery is back on the podcast to discuss their new location and shares tons of tips for aspiring artists. We cover every aspect of how to properly conduct an exhibition, from approaching a gallery, the proper amount of work, marketing the show, and when you'll get paid. IG @ThinkspaceGallery

Dave Kinsey - Artist Dave got his start in the skate industry working with illustration and design in the early nineties in Atlanta before moving to Southern California in '94. A few years later he moved on to found BLK/MRKT design studio and gallery, ultimately leaving his commercial career behind in 2009 to focus on his fine art. We speak with Dave about his 30 year + career and how to stay inspired. IG: @dave_kinsey

Philip Colbert - The Lobster We speak w/ Philip, whose been called the Godson of Andy Warhol, about this work and the significance of the Lobster character. We also discuss his recent exhibition and how he's stayed busy creating during the pandemic. @philipcolbert

Crocodile Jackson and Wizard Of Barge We talk about the duo's recent exhibition "The Good Saloon" in Los Angeles California, working during the pandemic, and how the pair got their names @CrocodileJackson @WizardofBarge

Neil Wright - Head of Collaborations and Experimental for Complex Neil stops by to discuss ComplexLand - an open world shopping destination opening December 7th. Matt's new book, American Terror, will be available during Complexland.

Lindsay Hearts - owner of the fashion brands FoxBlood, My Violet, and BlackWell Los Angeles Lindsay shares what it takes to start and run a successful fashion brand. We also learn the reasons most brands fail from the start, and what you can do to avoid that.

Duncan and Griffin Cock Foster - the creators of NiftyGateWay.com We speak to Duncan and Griffin about their website, which is a premier marketplace to buy and sell NFT's - or digital goods. Our host Matt Gondek gives details about his first ever digital artwork release, done through their website.

Ricardo "It's a Living" stops by to discuss his latest projects including a mural exhibition in his home town and a fine art exhibition in Tokyo, all done during the pandemic. We learn how he developed his style and advice to young artists looking to do the same. IG: @itsaliving

Matty Mo creates headlines, murals, and artwork under the name "The Most Famous Artist" We talk with Matty about transitioning from the tech world to art, how he began gaining traction so quickly, and his new venture - an online database of resources and coaching for artists.

This week's guest is Balloonski - a balloon artist, performer, and street artist based out of Los Angeles What started as a gig making balloon art in restaurants has grown to huge art installations all over the world. Matt talks with Balloonski about transitioning his craft into fine art, taking his artwork to mural festivals, and how he got started

Mikael B - Artist Clean Break Podcast is back! We kick things off with artist Mikael B - an artist originally from Copenhagen Denmark but now living and working in Los Angeles. What began as writing graffiti blossomed into owning an advertising agency with his twin brother. Although their work strong and the portfolio of clients impressive, Mikael felt he needed to pivot and began pursuing his own fine art. Leaving everything behind, he moved to the United States and started from scratch, building an impressive body of work, collectors, and gallery opportunities. IG: @mikaelbrandrup

This week on Clean Break our Host Matt Gondek explains how we are taking a short break. He talks about a few ways to generate exposure, and ways to keep your mind healthy during this time.

Erin Rothstein - Fine Artist. This week on Clean Break we talk to Fine Artist - Erin Rothstein. We chat about her pieces and the work involved, how she balances family time while maintaining an art career, as well as a few tips for younger artists.

David Connelly of Dosshaus - Sculptor and Fine Artist. This week on the Podcast we chat with David Connelly from Dosshaus. We talk about how he creates his elaborate cardboard sculptures and the thought process involved with his most recent show "Pop Goes" at Corey Helford. We also talk about the inspiration he found for what he creates, the origin behind the name Dosshaus and how he finds the right materials for his projects. IG: @dosshaus

Ewkuks - Art Gallery and Streetwear Brand This week on Clean Break we Chat with Ed and Ron from Ewkuks, An Art Gallery and Streetwear brand based in Los Angeles, CA. We chat about how they created the brand, moving to LA, tips for younger people wanting to start something similar, and how recent events have impacted them and neighboring businesses throughout Fairfax. IG: @ewkuks @ewkuksgallery

Bust - Street Artist and Graffiti Writer. This week on the podcast we talk to Swiss born Street Artist and Graffiti Writer - Bust. We chat about the origin of his name, how he first started painting pop culture and the influences behind his work. We also talk about the evolution of his style, copyright laws when painting existing characters, as well as a few other great tips for younger artists. IG: @artofbust

Blaine Fontana and Killer Acid - Artists. Two part episode. We speak about both artists' background and breaking into the scene - as well as some tips for younger artists. To listen visit CleanBreakPodcast.com or look for us on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, etc etc. This episode was originally recorded for @innerspace.project. Visit their account for more Info IG: @blainefontana @killeracid @innerspace.project For all past Episodes, check out cleanbreakpodcast.com

Lucas Beaufort and Elle Street Art - Artists. During The InnerSpace Project on Saturday April 25th, our Host Matt Gondek interviewed 4 different artists. This week on Episode 109 we Welcome two of them - French Artist and Painter Lucas Beaufort and Elle Street Artist - Artist based in Los Angeles, CA. InnerSpace Project is an initiative to showcase that while all is quiet outside, the indoors and artists' studio spaces are bustling with creativity. We are here to elevate your isolated experience by producing a series of online events between the most vibrant creatives. On Episode 109 we talk to Lucas about his background in skate culture, and how it influences his work. He also mentions his experience with business, making a documentary with Erik Koston, and a few things he's currently working on. We also interview Elle Street Art - Artist originally from California who moved to New York to pursue her art career. She talks about how she transitioned into becoming a full time artist, traveling to paint, the background of her artist name, and how her style has changed since she first started. IG: @lucas_beaufort @ellestreetart For all past Episodes, check out cleanbreakpodcast.com

Artist Baghead from Miami Florida. Known for his wild multi dimensional pieces, we discuss the process of how he creates them. We also talk about his recent sculptures, murals, and general advice for young artists. IG: @baghead

This week we welcome Los Angeles based Artist and Customizer Josh Mayhem, best known for his series "Blown Away". We talk with Josh about the materials and process he uses when creating his work, how he first thought about the concept, and his shift to art full-time. We also talk about the different projects he has worked on, his gallery plans for the year and an original piece he has in the works. IG: @joshmayhem1

New Podcast Episode with UK artist and Illustrator Dan Mumford. Dan talks about the style behind his work and how he balances his commercial and personal projects. We also talk about cultivating and maintaining a steady stream of clients. IG: @danmumforddraws

Matt chats with artists Cooper, Mags Munroe and Tenzing. They talk about the origins of their careers, opportunities that impacted them and pointers on navigating your career as a young artist. IG: @iam.cooper @magsmunroe @tenzing_art

On this week's episode, our host Matt Gondek talks about some great ways to accrue income and stay productive during these times of uncertainty. He also answers listener questions. Click to download Artist Relief Packet IG: @cleanbreakpodcast

Eric Joyner - Fine Artist. We talk to Eric about his new show at Corey Helford Gallery - "Machine Man Memories", which features a large body of new work for what he is best known for - Realistic paintings with robots and donuts. We also chat about how his work can be seen in episodes of The Big Bang Theory, and a few tips for younger artists. IG: @eric_s_j

Desire Obtain Cherish - Fine Artist. We speak about wheatpasting and how the streets of LA landed him his first art exhibition. We also go into detail regarding the dangers of growing too quickly, and proper business tactics for artists at any level. IG: @desireobtaincherish

Reina Koyano - Los Angeles based Designer and Illustrator. Reina is best know for her Sole Fatale series, but recently made headlines with a special illustration of Kobe Bryant's daughter, Gianna. We also talk about transitioning from her full time job to full time artist, and what she's working on next. Link in bio for full interview. IG: @_vivalareina

This week on the podcast we answer all the biggest questions, tell you a little bit more about our team here at Clean Break, and give you a secret promo code for our Webstore that is only available through this episode. IG: @cleanbreakpodcast

Dave Navarro has been an art collector since the early 80's, but became passionate about creating street art after his music career. WRDSMTH was first an author but became a street artist shortly after moving to California. They soon became good friends through collaboration and their love for street art. This week on the podcast we welcome them both to talk about their inspirations to change career paths, their recent work, and what they have planned for the rest of the year. IG: @lifeafterdeathstreet @WRDSMTH

James Bullough - Muralist, Fine Artist and Host of Vantage Point Radio. This week on Clean Break we welcome James Bullough – Muralist, Fine Artist, and the host of Vantage Point Radio. We chat with James about his travels in his early 20's, his move to Germany, and how we first started doing large scale mural work. We also discuss his preparation for his new solo show "Parallel Truths" which is now on display through March 21st at Thinkspace Art Gallery in Los Angeles, CA.

Richey Beckett - Illustrator. This week on the podcast we talk with Richey Beckett, an illustrator based in South Wales, UK. We chat with Richey about his time experimenting with different applications of ink, how he first started drawing, and his process for creating his pieces. We also talk about working with the heavy metal band - Mastodon, and his plans to travel more this year. IG: @richeybeckett

Kim Rose - Artist and Philanthropist. This week on the podcast we sit down with Kim Rose - Artist and Philanthropist based in Los Angeles, CA. We talk about how 10% of each of her sales are donated to help bring funds and awareness to kids in Tijuana, Mexico - known as "Mission Marisol". When Kim started selling art around the globe, she realized that her art could potentially have a huge impact. "I wanted to use fine art as a way to give voice to a movement much bigger than myself, and I knew that it I could have an even larger impact when joined together with other artists. That is when I came up with the idea of using fine art as a way of raising funds and awareness for kids in Mexico." IG: @kim.rose.art