Daily Inspiration: Meet Nate Evans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nate Evans.

Hi Nate, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
MY MUSIC:
I have been making music for 20 years and art for the past 5. I was depressed and suicidal in high school and got into music as a way to express myself and deal with my issues. I then took it upon myself to make a career of it and inspire others along the way. I write and produce my music and shoot and edit my music videos. I recently had my artwork & music featured in the new movie “Condition of Return” streaming now (staring Deain Cain, AnnaLynn Mcord, & Natasha Hendridge). I was also part of the Sedona and Hollywood Red carpet movie Premiere, which was very exciting. We got special permission from Sag to have the premiere during the actor’s strike. I never gave up on myself and my dreams, and now, 20 years later, being featured in a movie with 3 of my songs is a dream come true. I also released my 5th studio album this year called “A NEW WAY 2.0,” which features songs from the movie, and the main hit used for over 2 minutes in the film called “Murder Mystery. (My music is streaming on all music platforms) I have been told for years that my music sucked and that I should kill myself and give up. American idols and clubs rejected me. But now everything has come full circle, and I am living proof that dreams do come true if you never give up and keep god first. My next goal is to do a Chiefs halftime show & more major local acts, as well as a tour overseas.

MY ARTWORK:
5 years ago, my dad passed away from cancer and struggling to make a living on my own, I became a full-time photographer. My dad’s workshop became my home base for making artwork, which I would soon get featured in Starbucks. After that, everyone asked to purchase my work, and then I got a full-time job at the city market, and the rest is history. I have now been featured in over 6 Starbucks locations and numerous Kansas City restaurants & corporate offices. I offer canvas prints as well as merchandise. I got picked up by a puzzle company, “Puzzle Twist,” to create the puzzle “WELCOME TO KC,” which is featured in stores all over Kansas, including Made In KC. I made 2 custom pieces of artwork that are seen very clearly in the new movie “Condition of Return.” I found my 2nd calling in artwork, and I love being able to work for myself while making amazing items that bring joy to so many people. My main goal moving forward is to get my work featured in all major businesses across Kansas and then branch out to other states.

More notes below:

• Nate’s artwork was picked up by a Puzzle Company,” Puzzle Twist,” and is featured in stores across Kansas, including “Made In KC.”
• 3 of his songs are featured in the movie; Nate’s music was chosen over “Kesha’s Die Young.”
• Although he was rejected by an American idol in 2007, he never gave up on his music, and his dreams are now coming true.
• Featured in a KC Lottery Chiefs commercial
• Opened for the Plaza Lighting in 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euu31ewck7o
• Nate has been working at City Market for 4 years, selling his KC Artwork.
• Artwork featured in restaurants and more than 5 Starbucks locations.
• Nate has battled depression and suicidal thoughts and makes music to help inspire others never to give up.
• His music video “A Lovely Day” has over 1 million views on YouTube and was featured in over 600 Justice Retail Stores across America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StXJVCkqZus
• Nate also made a song called “Welcome to KC,” which has become very popular with locals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNfA4BMfovk
• Nate has taken Martial Arts for 12 years is a 3rd degree Black Belt, Martial Arts has helped change his life for the better

Can you tell us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth?
American Idol and local clubs rejected me; I was told my music sucked, that I should kill myself, trolling with negative comments about my work. But I always believed in myself and never gave up. I started taking martial arts 12 years ago, which helped me become even better at handling disappointment and pushing myself harder than ever in my music and art. Now, 20 years later, it’s all starting to pay off with my music, and my art career took off in less than 4 years. It feels like I am just getting started, and now I have a story to tell that should inspire anyone out there to never give up, no matter what anybody tells them.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My product line is called “WELCOME TO KC.” It features my original photography and digital art, showcasing all Kansas City landmarks mixed into a unique collage. I also offer many other images I created and custom orders for people, such as family photo collages. I offer my work on gloss canvas, metal, and other merchandise. I need to show what I offer in Kansas, where I stand out: my bright colors and KC themes.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Working for yourself and running your own business is a risk in itself. In my work, I never know when I will make my next sale, which can be very stressful. But, I have been fortunate enough to take this risk and make it into a full-time job by listening to what the customer wants, making it, and improving my craft to keep them coming back for more. On top of that, having excellent customer service skills helps. Investing in yourself is a risk that will only pay off if you believe in what you’re doing more than anyone else.

Pricing:

• I offer affordable artwork for anyone ranging from $35-900.
• I offer merchandise that can range from $20-95

Contact Info:

• Website: NateEvansArt.com & NateEvansMusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateevansmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nateevansmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nateevans
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1u5lAedKol3JaU20WKLMdk?si=MpQGCcXxSdO3tZxh2vxSzw

Image Credits
Nate Evans