How did you start getting into painting gym murals?

Initially resistant to combining art with jiu-jitsu, the speaker found themselves inadvertently becoming a muralist. Despite viewing jiu-jitsu as a commercial aspect of their identity, they embraced the opportunity to create art within the jiu-jitsu community. The first mural commission in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring a neon jungle theme and jiu-jitsu elements, was a pivotal moment, leading to an emotional realization of achieving a lifelong dream.

Following the first commission, the speaker's reputation as a muralist grew, leading to projects across America, including Oregon, Virginia, New York, Florida, California, and upcoming ones in New York and L.A. This journey taught them not to limit their artistic expression to a single medium or path. Muraling allowed them to explore various narratives and styles while maintaining creative freedom, even within jiu-jitsu settings.

The experience broadened their perspective on creativity, encouraging them to delve into music, film, photography, sculpture, and fashion design. The speaker emphasizes the importance of persistence in creative endeavors and the sense of accomplishment that comes with producing work across different mediums. Muraling served as a catalyst for the speaker to realize their potential as a versatile artist, capable of taking on any creative challenge.