Meet Smeesh | Artist & Muralist

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

Hi Smeesh, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There’s something about making a pros and cons list that reassures any decision. BUT! risks don’t really happen that way. I think that risks are taken by allowing ourselves to listen to what it is we actually want, regardless of how scary that decision may be.

In 2020, the pandemic had left me in a position where I had lost my job, my future was in a foggy place, and I wasn’t sure what the next move was. My husband (fiancé at the time) and I got Covid after a friendsgiving, and had lots of time to think while we sweated our fever out in bed. For years we had been thinking about moving to Atlanta, thinking it a dream and never a reality. Pre-pandemic I had a job that was helping me finally pay off my loans and be able to survive, so why leave the job? Why move? The security made me feel comfortable and safe. The reality was that I was distracting myself from what I really wanted. What I really wanted was to pursue my career as an artist.

That brings me here, to Atlanta, GA. My husband and I said F*CK IT. We eloped at the end of 2020 and started getting plans together to move to Atlanta in the summer of 2021. We had no job, no real plan, and no idea how to get around Atlanta. It felt like such a big city to us, coming from Tallahassee, FL. It was VERY SCARY to leave everything we knew and come to a place that might end up spitting us back out.

Well, we did it! I can honestly say that this decision ultimately shifted the direction of my life, and I am so happy for it. If i would have been too scared to take that risk, I would not have known what kind of opportunities I would have been able to find for myself. Ultimately, I would have lived a less vibrant life, a less creatively fulfilling life.

Here in Atlanta, I’ve been able to expand as an artist, meet other artists in the community that inspire me to do more and be a better artist, and I’ve been able to make art full time. I think losing everything during the pandemic made me understand that nothing is ever guaranteed, so why not live the life you want if that’s the case?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name is smeesh. I paint both graphic art and realism. I love combining both worlds. My art is very character driven. I base those characters off of human emotions, desires, and subconscious feeling. My illustrations are like feelings personified in cute little pokemon form. It all ranges from universal themes to more adult themes.

I create a lot of “naughty” characters with light x rated themes as well. I think society has taught us that the subject of sex should be hidden in the shadows, but why not saturate it with color and turn it into an ice cream banana split dildo ride?! It makes more sense if you look at my art…

Right now, I’m tapping back into realism and adding my own twist. I love vibrant and florescent colors. Alot of the portraits I paint have vibrant skin tones. Kinds of tones we wouldn’t see in real life. That’s honestly my main reason for loving art so much. It’s meant to take us into a different world. One that can only exist in our minds, and can be shared. There’s something fun and exciting about that”

I think being here in Atlanta has contributed a great deal to where I’m at as an artist. I’ve been offered opportunities that have allowed me to keep practicing my craft and expanding my creative world. It definitely hasn’t come with ease. I create art full time, but it’s risky. It ebbs and flows so much that it’s hard to find financial stability. Recently, it has been a challenge, but I’m working on ways to create various streams of income so that I can continue creating artwork for myself and for others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First DAY! Wake up and take a hike on Sweetwater Creek. Bring a picnic lunch with you and spend the day out on the creek. Come back and go to dinner at Banshee. Amazing food and great drinks! Then hop on over to 529 for a drink and some live music or for Karaoke night.

Day 2
Walk the belt line and grab a bite and marg at Muchacho. Then take a lil tour of all the murals on Wiley st. Have lunch at Carrol St Cafe and walk back on over to the belt line. Keep walking till you hit Lady Bird. Grab a drink. Keep walking the belt line till you reach Piedmont Park. Enjoy the rest of the walk in the park and take a lift or uber back OR scooter back. At this point you’re just over walking.

Day 3
Spray paint at the Krog St Tunnel. Go to Estoria to celebrate.

Day 4
Go for a walk in the Oakland Cemetery. Walk your way over to Das BBQ for an evening of wrestling. (very rare. still haven’t gone. dying to go)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my husband, Alex Koenig! He is also an artists and muralists. We work together and he provides so much support for what I do. He’s a constant help and I truly appreciate his encouragement throughout my journey as an artist. Thank you, luv!

Website: https://smeesh.com

Instagram: @smeesh_bb

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbysmeesh

Image Credits
Image 1 & 5 – Xander B.