Meet Matt Cockrell | Graphic Designer | Photographer

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

Hi Matt, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?

The single most important decision that has contributed to my success is believing in Jesus! My faith has allowed me to trust the crazy ideas that come to my mind and so many doors have opened because of it. Just a couple of examples, I’ve been given the opportunity to redesign the branding for one of the top luxury home builders (T4 Construction) here in Las Vegas that also led me into having the opportunity to do photo shoots of their projects. Also, with doing more graphic design, my faith has opened a door to work with a clothing Brand from LA with many projects to launch soon.

Because of my faith along with my love of music, I’ve been given the chance to do photos for several local musicians here in Las Vegas. One group Friction, which is a 90’s to 2000’s rock cover band that can be found playing just about every Friday or Saturday night around town. They draw in quite the fun, audience participating crowd that has been a blast to shoot. Another newer local musician to the music scene here is Patrick Duffy, if anyone has cruised on Carnival a lot, they may know him. I’ve known Patrick since the start of my professional career as an artist. We have done several projects together over the years, but it is an honor to be able to capture his talents live with my photography.

And last but not least, when Covid hit and I lost my job at a sign shop here, I was in the dumps like everyone. Having a new baby on the way also didn’t help matters much, but finding the strength to keep the faith and knowing that Jesus had a better plan for me yet. I was blessed with getting a job with O’Reilly Auto Parts with the help of a friend from church, Mark. This blessing has led me into meeting many people who share my love of cars. These people have been gracious enough to show me around their hot rods and shops. My one buddy Art, was nice enough to take my oldest son Emmett (6) for a ride in His 65 Chevy Nova which has sparked a whole new life of cars into him. The owner of Carbs Automotive, has also gotten my son hooked on racing as he races dirt cars at the local tracks.

So in short, the single most important decision I’ve made that has contributed to my success is my faith in Jesus!

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.
I think something that sets me apart as an artist is that I lean more towards the bold side of art and abstracts. The things that I’m most excited about are the possibilities this summer will have for my art and how it has the opportunity to blossom even more leading into fall. Getting to where I am at this moment was not easy by a long shot. I had many doors open just as I’ve had as many doors slam shut. The thing I learned was to never give up. Working hard, one day someone will see your efforts and assist you in getting to the level you desire.

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?

Considering I live in Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps, there are tons of things to do. Here it would be hard to create an itinerary, you would need to have some ideas of places to see, things to do, and places to eat.

Everyone knows about the strip, many know about Fremont Street, but does anyone know about the art district?
There is a small strip that sits between the strip and Fremont street that’s called the art district. It is home to
First Friday that is held the first Friday of every month. It is an event where you have street vendors ranging from artists, food, music and so much more! There are also several art galleries there that you can visit that have a vast array of art. Fun fact, I was approached the second year of living in Las Vegas to have my art displayed in one of the galleries. Unfortunately, at the time I couldn’t afford the fee, so I had to politely decline.
Also in that area is a really cool bar Called Davy’s that is pirate themed with rum on tap!

Another place I would recommend checking out is Backyard on Water Street in Henderson, a suburb of Las Vegas.
Here you can catch the band Friction playing and get some awesome drinks. Also on water street there are a lot of cool bars and restaurants to check out. At night, as you leave Water Street you can catch a cool view of the whole Las Vegas strip.

There are so many cool things to do here, but those are a few of my favorites that don’t seem to come up in the visitors guide.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are many people behind my success, number one again is Jesus (he has the ultimate plan), second my wife Malisa of 3 years, Third my Family and last but not least all of my clients!

If you check out my instagram page you will find some really cool artwork whether its photos, graphics, or clothing designs. I have the utmost faith that there is a higher being guiding me with the thoughts and images I see in my head.

My wife Malisa, is the next biggest support I have. She tolerates my crazy ideas, allows me the opportunity to work on my stuff while her and the boys sleep and never complains about watching the boys when photo shoots come up. My family is a big support as well, First being my mother in law Zella who will watch the boys when different jobs arise and Malisa needs to assist me. My mom and dad are huge fans of my work and I’m grateful for them as they assisted in helping me get through art school. My two boys, Emmett (6) and Dominic (2) inspire me all the time with the imagination they have and their love of learning about life!

My clients are the best! Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do hands down. They have projects they need completed and completely trust me to get the job done. For the most part they all give me my own creative freedom and it seems like magic happens!

Instagram: Mac_designs_LV

Other: IG: friction_lv IG: patrickduffymusicofficial IG T4construction