Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Tiger.
Hi Matthew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Typically, when I answer a question like this, the reply is, “OK, what can’t you do?” My response: “Sing or dance.” Creativity has always been a part of me. Growing up, my favorite question was “How come?”—I was always trying to find creative solutions to problems. This led me to start painting in my early teens. Professionally, I began as a graphic designer, but my path took some unexpected turns. I became a bodybuilder and an MMA fighter along the way. Eventually, I combined my passions and focused on working exclusively for sports nutrition companies, designing packaging, ad campaigns, websites, and marketing. I even started writing for a fitness magazine, contributing dating columns, recipes, and workout routines.
After about 20 years in the fitness industry, I saw its less appealing side and decided to branch out. I launched my own branding and advertising company, Madison Ave Graphics. I was lucky enough to land some big clients, like Krispy Kreme, as well as celebrity clients like Anna Faris.
As my business grew, a local client brought me on as their CMO to run their marketing department. They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse—a multimillion-dollar company with an office within walking distance of my home. The company was fantastic to work with, and they gave me the freedom to continue running my own business on the side. Despite my reluctance to “sell out” and work for “The Man,” I couldn’t say no. It turned out to be a great decision.
Throughout all of this, I continued painting as a hobby to decorate my home. I shared my work on Instagram because, let’s face it, who doesn’t like attention? An ex-girlfriend saw my work and showed it to her neighbor, who happened to own an art gallery on Park Ave in Winter Park. Before I knew it, my paintings were selling—and selling well. I mentioned this to a client-turned-friend, who introduced me to a big-time art dealer. Now my work is featured at the Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas and The Grand Wailea in Maui.
As I sit here writing, I’m running a branding agency, working full-time as a CMO, and thriving as a professional artist. I’ve retired from fighting and bodybuilding, though I still frequent the gym. There’s even more to my story: I survived cancer in 2008 (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), did stand-up comedy, and cook at a chef-like level. I was once offered the opportunity to open a restaurant, and some of my recipes have been published. I’m also skilled at crafting cocktails.
For a while, I was a competitive eater and held a pizza-eating record in Orlando for about two years. I’ve moved back and forth to California twice, selling everything each time for two different women—both within a single year.
There’s a lot more to my story, and I’m happy to elaborate. I can also share articles I’ve written or articles about me if you’re interested.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been an interesting path. Despite a few obstacles along the way, I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to be where I am. Whatever challenges I faced, they made me stronger. Iron sharpens iron, or so they say. Whatever happened along the way, it lead me here, and here is good.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My artistic style can be vividly and concisely described as “Pop Grunge Graffiti Street Art.”
My artistic journey began with oils on canvas in his youth, leading to a career in graphic design and eventually founding his branding agency. Drawing inspiration from pop culture, urban nature, music, comics, and film, Tiger’s style now embodies Pop Grunge Graffiti Street Art – a captivating blend of paint and collage that immerses viewers in rich, detail-laden scenes.
This unique mix of styles is rooted in the Grunge movement of the 1990s, which challenged traditional artistic norms and embraced raw, gritty aesthetics. By incorporating elements from Pop Art, Street Art and Graffiti, my work reflects the vibrant energy and rebellious nature of urban culture.
The use of bold colors and geometric shapes creates a dynamic visual experience that draws viewers in and encourages them to explore the layers of texture and meaning in each piece. His use of collage adds an element of playfulness and invites viewers to find hidden treasures within his art, leading to a feeling of discovery and connection with the work.
But what truly sets the artwork apart is its ability to capture the essence of modern life with a contrasting feeling of nostalgia. From themes of consumerism and technology to social and environmental issues, his pieces reflect the complexities and nuances of our society. I encourage viewers to question their surroundings and consider the impact of their actions, ultimately promoting a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we live in.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, the Pop Grunge Graffiti Street Art style remains at the core of my work. It serves as a reminder that art has the power to inspire, challenge, and unite us all. Whether through a vibrant mural on the streets or a captivating piece in a gallery, the art will continue to leave a lasting impression and spark conversations for years to come.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Say yes to as many things as you can. Life is finite. Why wouldn’t you take every chance possible?
Most of life’s success is about who you know. Talk to everyone. Don’t underestimate the importance of networking. Have something to offer… something to be remembered by.
Learn how to communicate. Learn how to read a room. The most valuable skill you’ll ever have is your ability to effectively communicate your ideas. For god’s sake, learn how to tell a story.
Always be available. I built my business on always answering my phone for clients. You’d be amazed on how far ahead of the competition that will make you.
If you’re looking for a job, remember, you’re hired not on what you’ve done nor on what you can do. Anyone can be trained. Your hired based on how well you will fit within the company culture. Act like someone who won’t cause disharmony in the office and you’re way more likely to be hired.
Whenever possible, work for yourself. Why devote your life to making someone else’s dreams come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: artbytiger.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artby_tiger/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artworkbytiger/
- Other: https://madisonavegraphics.com/
