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

Hi Duncan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I was always drawn to it because I enjoy it. When it stops being fun, it becomes mechanical. I wanted a career that would have an element of unpredictability and would challenge me to change and adapt over the years, rather than fall into a routine. I like to feel like I’m growing as a person, and I feel like that the most when I’m pushed to do something different every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I try to look at things from a different perspective from what I’m used to seeing. I grew up abroad and moved around a lot. I think that encourages me to consider different approaches when taking on projects. Some people I’ve worked with are more open to that than others, but I always try to learn something new from each experience. I definitely subscribe to the idea that the journey is more important than the destination, and I want to keep collecting experiences in order to mature as a person and as an artist. Not all experiences are positive, but they’re all opportunities for growth. The biggest lesson I continue to learn is the importance of balancing ego against self-respect. I think it was Naval Ravikant who said, “Ego is false confidence, self-respect is true confidence.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta’s got so many cool spots. I’m a big soccer fan, so I’d probably try to get to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a game at some point. Maybe catch a match at Brewhouse Cafe in Little 5 and do some people-watching. I actually really like to cook and worked as a bartender for a long time when I was younger, so I’d probably do a lot of stuff at home, honestly. That being said, some of my favorite places to eat/drink around the city include the Blind Pig, Halfway Crooks, Gaja Korean Bar, Qommunity (Poke Burri), and Bookhouse Pub. I lived in Clarkston for a while and Refuge Coffee is still a favorite spot, too. Atlanta is growing and changing all the time, so we’d probably do some exploring on the beltline and other bike trails to make sure we got to enjoy the weather. Maybe go on a few hikes (Arabia Mountain, Sweetwater Creek, Stone Mountain). I’d also be sure to introduce them to Blind Willie’s for the music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends have always been the most supportive of my efforts.

Instagram: duncan_draws

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