Introduction
It's hard to go anywhere in downtown St. Petersburg without seeing one of Chad Mize's murals or designs. The multimedia designer and artist's work graces breweries, apartment buildings, bars and restaurants - even law offices. Mize could be content to focus on his own work and growing his Mize Gallery, but instead he spends plenty of time mentoring and guiding other artists and giving back to the community he loves. He's excited to continue creating iconic, thought-provoking works of art for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
Years in St. Pete
17
Organizations involved in
For the last six years I’ve been involved in the SHINE Mural Festival, on the committee. and helped start the St. Pete Shuffle in 2005.
What gets you out of bed every day?
I’ve been self-employed for almost 20 years and having my own business, you have to work hard. Also, I get excited in the morning for new projects, helping other artists, creating large-scale murals and walking my dog, Cookie, around my neighborhood every morning.
Why St. Pete?
i just like the vibe of St. Pete. I grew up south of here in Bradenton and we used to come here to go to the Dali Museum and Jannus Live and I always liked the vibe of it.
What is one habit that you keep?
Creating something new every day, be it a drawing, a photo, a painting, a doodle or a political cartoon.
Who are some people that influence you?
A lot of the artists i represent at the gallery influence and inspire me. Someone famous who inspires me is Keith Haring. He was a big influence on me. i liked the idea that art can be accessible. and I went to his Pop Shop in New York as a kid, and it inspired me to open my own space and sell my work. Also, my dad who passed on eight years ago was a big inspiration. He was a people person and hard worker and no one was a stranger to him. I feel like I get a lot of those traits from him.
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology, practice - that you would share with our readers?
My mantra is “make time,” so I spent one full year saying yes to everything – interviews, extra projects, my gallery, donations to charities and causes – and that one year helped push my career to where it is today.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
That I can move on. I had built a previous brand (Bluelucy) with an ex-partner, and I had to redo everything once we split up. It took time and perseverance but I did it, and I realized working alone was something I could do and enjoy.
What’s next?
More murals, more exhibits at Mize, doing more solo and curated exhibits in 2021 – and helping promote and support our partner’s new venture next door, Uptown Eats.
