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What does it take to transform a teenage fascination with Microsoft Paint into collaborations with global brands like Nike, Apple, and Mercedes-Benz? In this candid conversation, digital artist Rik Oostenbroek pulls back the curtain on his remarkable 19-year creative journey.

Rik's story begins in a small Dutch town where his teacher parents emphasized education and sports over artistic pursuits. His creative awakening came during his rebellious teenage years when a friend introduced him to DeviantArt, sparking a self-taught design education that would eventually lead to designing flyers for local events in exchange for free drinks. By age 17, he had landed his first major client—Volkswagen—after his portfolio unexpectedly gained over 100,000 views in a single day.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as Rik shares his evolution from freelancer to art director for Cirque du Soleil in Montreal, ultimately returning to independence when he discovered corporate environments stifled his creativity. His philosophy of "always remember why you started" has guided him through the volatile Web3 landscape, where he found both supportive collectors and new possibilities for digital art. Rik's refreshing honesty about the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity while building commercial success offers valuable insights for creators at any stage.

Looking ahead, Rik reveals details about his six-month collaboration on a generative art project, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and artistic growth. Whether discussing his dream of living in Japan or LA, his experience getting scammed in the early crypto days, or his obsession with risotto, Rik's authentic passion for creativity shines throughout this conversation.

Ready to be inspired? Listen now and discover why remembering your creative roots might be the most powerful tool for navigating an artistic career in today's rapidly changing digital landscape.

https://x.com/RikOostenbroek

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