Meet Quenton Colby | Master finisher and Artist

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

Hi Quenton, why did you pursue a creative career?
I always knew I had a creative talent. I won an art contest in second grade and was totally inspired to keep going after that. Lol But when it really took off was in my late 20’s. I had been a landscaper for almost 10 years and decided I was done. I saw an ad for landscape ARTIST for a hand painted furniture company and after several interviews I got the job! Since then I’ve been able to keep the artistry going.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would say working at six flags as a caricature artist after college was one tool I’m proud of and how to really have fun with a pencil. That really exercised my imagination. Later I discovered how to work with furniture finishing by adding layers of glazes, rocks and nails to distress and thinned out paints to achieve different looks and styles. Which all led to specialty wall finishes such as Venetian plasters, high gloss walls etc then the occasional mural and landscape art for designers. All under the umbrella of specialty interior finishes. And from all this, my biggest lesson is how to take on large projects, manage every step from creating samples, selling the idea to the client and executing their vision. Then complete the project in a timely manner and deliver a solid result. Some projects can take as long as one week to a year.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok, so food and cocktails would definitely be on the menu! Dinner at Rathbuns Steak or Amore E Amore, best Italian in the city. But SO many to choose from. Drinks at Ponce City Market or Claremont Hotel rooftop. High museum of art is always great for culture. Braves game is a solid time! And for outdoor activities definitely head to north Georgia mountains for hiking, mtn biking or canoeing. Or hit the silver comet paved trail in Vinings. Goes all the way to Alabama!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big help was from my college art professors. They really were the catalyst for my level of creativity and believing in myself. But also my family who taught me that I can handle any situation and to rise above it. And probably the biggest thing I’ve learned from is being a heart attack survivor. A year ago I had a pretty bad heart attack on my bike as I’m big cyclist. For over twenty years, competing most of it. I definitely see life differently in a more positive lense. It’s almost like there’s nothing impossible now!

Instagram: @qcstudio

Image Credits
The ATL mural is in Summerhill, Atlanta. The Atlanta united mural is at Oz pizza in east point The 3 mural is located at The imaginarium Three Taverns brewery. And the ATL light box is something I created earlier this year representing Atlanta landmarks and icons.