Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Markiewicz.
Ken, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my artist career by doing all kinds of normal jobs, waitering, driving limos, and being a cartographer in the Marines, but on off hours, I drew and painted whatever anyone wanted. I squeezed in a couple years at the American Academy of Art, while still working various jobs, and doing freelance art projects. Then 23 years ago, I became a father, and did what any artist father would do for their beautiful newborn baby daughter, I painted the best mural ever in her nursery! That was just the beginning of the journey, and since then we’ve been going strong, and are as determined as ever to bring happiness everywhere we can, through the use of our murals.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s definitely not been the smoothest road being a full-time artist. The economy has taken a toll on us, especially when so many people were losing their jobs, and a mural would be considered an unnecessary luxury. Many muralists disappeared, but we have weathered whatever came our way. If you go with faith and passion, the struggles will only make you stronger.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Crayons Gone Wild – what should we know?
Crayons Gone Wild does not just paint murals, we design very personalized, painted visions that evoke real emotion! I’m an illustrator at heart, so each mural tells a story – of the individual, the company, or whoever has us create one for them. Our name “Crayons Gone Wild” tells a story… All children are artists, they start with crayons, and go wild from there! There’s still a child in all of us, and that’s where I find my creativity, my connection.
I specialize in 3D style painting, and offer a variety of styles. I’m a good listener and am able to pick up on things my customers reveal in their consultation. They are very often surprised and delighted at the small personal details I include in their projects. The one thing I hear often is that “it’s even better than I expected!”
I’ve painted everything from nurseries, to the employee cafeteria at Mars/Wrigley, three identical vans and a truck in the movie Baby’s Day Out (didn’t make me famous with anybody except my family), and even air-brushed motorcycle tanks (before it was popular), but what I’m most proud of, is my work with non-profits like Make-A-Wish, Chicago Cares, and Special Spaces.
Over the last several years, we have expanded into a “purpose driven” business. We need to make money, but we can also make a difference, and we do — by creating an atmosphere where you can forget all the troubles of your life, even for just a little while. This is what I call Painting Happiness 🙂
What I’ve found out is, that if you’re really trying to help and you can solve a problem for someone, then you’re a success! While you’re on your journey, remember, “Don’t Stop Believin!” Yes, I did say that…
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My wife, Judy, deserves the most credit for helping me make the business successful, and getting it where it is today. She’s kept it running smoothly throughout the years, handling all the “non-so-fun” tasks of a business. She has gone from being a silent partner, to one who believes in the mission so much so, that she now joins me in the painting process as well.
My biggest cheerleaders… definitely my family!
Special Spaces is one of our biggest advocates and have played a major role in the direction of our business. They create dream bedroom makeovers for children with life threatening illnesses. Since joining them in February 2013, we’ve worked on nearly 100 room makeovers together (most including one or more murals).
And then there’s Danielle… My new purpose started almost 10 years ago, when I was asked to paint a mural for a young, beautiful, playfully sassy 10-year-old, named Danielle, who had just been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. Her mother immediately started looking into holistic treatments and remedies, and found that her environment would play a vital role in her recovery. So, she called me!
Getting to know her and her family has taught me to keep my faith, keep moving forward, and don’t give up. As long as you believe in yourself, are willing to change with the times, and don’t get hit by a meteor, you can get through just about anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.crayonsgonewild.com
- Phone: 630.778.0929
- Email: ken@crayonsgonewild.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crayonsgonewild
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crayonsgonewild
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/crayonsgonewild
- Other: http://www.paintinghappiness.org
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