Trucker turned artist gaining recognition for painting, tattoo talent

Trucker J.D. Dunlap is studying to steadiness his newly created artwork enterprise along with his driving occupation after gaining fairly the next this previous 12 months.

Dunlap works 12-hour shifts, 5 days per week as a truck driver, however has taken up portray and tattoo artwork after he rediscovered his inventive skills.

Final spring, a good friend approached him to fee a portrait portray. Dunlap hadn’t actually been concerned with artwork since artwork class whereas he attended Zanesville Metropolis Colleges within the Nineties, however took up the problem of making a customized piece.

After the commissioned work, phrase unfold about Dunlap’s expertise and he determined to proceed his inventive endeavors.

“Earlier than that, it was simply having children and a spouse and making an attempt to outlive, however I’ve all the time had that keenness behind my thoughts,” he stated. “I simply by no means knew find out how to translate it right into a actuality,” Dunlap instructed the Zanesville Times Recorder.

His artwork enterprise began to take off, particularly on social media. He showcased his work on Instagram and Fb since there was little alternative to attend artwork gala’s or promote his work at in-person occasions.

“And it simply sort of snowballed from there,” stated Dunlap.

His work is normally vivid and daring designs impressed by historic and popular culture figures like Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, the Joker, Johnny Money, and different celebrities and TV characters. Dunlap’s curiosity in tattoos additionally took off throughout the pandemic and now he’s a part-time tattoo artist at Fallen Angel Tattoos.

Dunlap lately acquired the highest prize within the 2020 Ronna Bucci/Dr. Charles Dietz Artist Awards. He continues to showcase and promote his work on his Fb web page, JD Dunlap Art.

 “In the event you’re doing what you’re keen on you don’t really feel such as you’re working. I obtained somewhat style of that (with portray). Ultimately, I’d wish to be a full-time artist. However I assume I’ve obtained to attend till the timing’s proper.”