We had the good fortune of connecting with Davey Cummings and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Davey, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I think having the sort of feeling that I need to improve has helped me in the past, especially in college. There was a lot of competition there with the number of people wanting to get into art. I felt like I needed to impress and succeed past them all. Now that I am in the industry it’s hard to find that niche again. I’m still looking for it, but I think what seems to do the trick is forcing myself to take extra classes outside of my work. Life can be full of distractions and a course helps to put you back in that ” need a good grade” mentality.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is really nothing. I have not quite found the unique style that artists have. I’m still learning how to do that by copying others’ styles. Hopefully one day my art will be separate but for right now I’m learning every day. I’m very excited for my next gig. I’ve been very happy to have been doing BG paint for two different and amazing television series. And I am hoping my next gig will be a whole new style to learn from. It was not easy in college. A lot of long nights and focus. Had to turn down a lot of cool hangouts with friends. Through hard work, I was able to make a portfolio that caught the eye of my art director. Valerio Ventura. I learned that I always need to keep working on my craft or I will fall behind quickly. I want the world to know that my story is not unique. There are so many other artists looking for a way to better themselves and their craft.
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?
I would take them to Laguna Beach. It’s really far down, but the hiking trails there, the food, the art and the ocean are just beautiful down there. I love to hike and there are really great places to do that all over LA. But Laguna caught my eye. There is a beautiful view at one of the camp points. where you can just see all of LA and the ocean 360- degrees. I would definitely take an RV and hike around that area for a week with a best friend.
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?
I have to give a huge shoutout to my Art director Valerio Ventura. He saw my portfolio online and gave me a chance when I truly needed it. He trusted my skills and I am so grateful every day that he did. I also would like to thank my Aunt Linda Berry. She is a titan in the industry and has a plethora of knowledge about who to know and what to do when you’re starting out in the industry. And lastly, I need to thank my teachers from College, Jonathon Standing, John Lowe, and especially Douglas Sirois three teachers that helped to shape my background skills and concept art mind.
Website: https://www.daveycummingsart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbydavey/?hl=en
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/david-cummings-7380679a
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dlseejr
Image Credits
THe barn credit: Shadow Machine Dining room: Warner Bros. Discovery