Meet Travis Theus | Illustrator & Graphic Designer

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

Hi Travis, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Honestly, I’ve been serious since 9th grade and I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by the right people who nurtured and pushed me in my life. Why I chose this path? I just stayed disciplined and imagined the possibilities of where an artistic career can take me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m most proud of my upcoming art exhibition “Big Dreams Small Steps” at the Mable Art house. I’m excited and calm at the same time. Excited, because I feel that I’m formally introducing myself to Georgia. Calm, because I want to learn from this experience and use that knowledge for future shows.

I feel that I’m at a good place right now, professionally. I work full time as a graphic designer for the Centers for Disease Control, during the day. At night, I usually work on freelance or personal projects and that keeps my creative drive going.

It was not easy to get to this point. Like most designers, I had to work weird jobs and take on multiple freelance gigs to make ends meet. I remember when I first moved down to Georgia during the recession and there was a line of people on Camp Creek Parkway (some in cars, others on foot) waiting to get into the Georgia Convention Center for the job fair. From there on, I knew that stable employment might be a challenge. I’ve worked in silkscreen factories in the summer heat with no AC. It was a crazy experience trying to separate colors, complete revisions, and design on a brand new Apple computer but couldn’t use the AC the same time as the silkscreen press because the power would short out in the facility.

I just stayed the course with designing and worked on my craft.

At first I wanted to do everything I can possibly do to emerge as a dope artist in Atlanta. Doing joint shows, participating in pop-up markets was great but I wasn’t making a sustainable living. I couldn’t “draw harder” to make my stuff sell. It wasn’t for me and that is no knock on any artist who continue to venture this avenue to make a living.”

I learned that having tunnel vision can help refocus your goals and success is defined by the person achieving it. No matter how big or small. My priority changed as I had my first child with my wife. I had to pivot and get something that was consistent that I could use to provide.

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.
It all depends on which weekend you decide to come down. Atlanta Jazz fest is great to sit back and enjoy the vibe at Piedmont Park. If the Hawks handle their business during the regular season, you may be able to catch a playoff game at State Farm Arena. Best burger I’ve have had was at the Vortex at Lil 5 points. The best pizza I’ve had while living Georgia is from Fellini’s, Pie in The Sky, and Blue Moon Pizzeria. The Mint Gallery and ABV gallery have great showings during the week. There is always something to do in Atlanta and outside the perimeter.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father, George A. Wade, saw the potential in me when I didn’t see it. As an artist he encouraged me to start drawing at a young age and for that I’m forever grateful

Website: travistheillustrator.com

Instagram: travistheezus

Other: www.behance.net/travistheus