Meet Tré Gibson | Artist and amateur illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tré Gibson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tré, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The way I see risk and risk taking, you have to take chances. Feeling stagnant is a real thing, the feeling of not going anywhere, being stuck, is maddening. You have to grow, you have to see what’s over the hill, hesitation is natural… Failure causes growth. Take the risk, jump! Growth comes from conflict. For example, I used to be so shy about showing off my art, it’s part of the reason why I started my Instagram, now, I’ve illustrated things, I’ve had my own personal gallery, I have people interested in my art and what I do. If I never would have put myself out there, I would still be sitting in my house eating cereal feeling low and feeling stagnant. You’re not going to be the best at anything starting off, you have to start somewhere. If you don’t make the moves, don’t take the risk… All you’re going to do is regret….

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career isn’t art… Wouldn’t necessarily call it a career either… I’ve worked at UPS ever since I was 17 years old… I’m 41 now… Geez….
As far as art, that was and is a hobby. And to be honest with you, I like the idea of it being for fun. It’s what brings me peace. Sure I love getting the occasional commission, illustrating something for somebody, drawing something for somebody… But the fact it’s a hobby keeps it loose in my mind.
I’ve been drawing my entire life, but it wasn’t until I went through my divorce when it started to become prolific. It goes back to the whole risk thing I guess… I went through a hard time, I was with somebody for 12 years… And all of that went away… So, I fell back on something that I’ve always loved. Drawing brings me peace!!! There’s no better way to put it, it brought me out of a very dark place, it stabilizes me, it helps me clear my head, and express my thoughts. It’s like being a kid all over again, creating worlds, enjoying cartoons… If you look at my art you probably could pick up on that… If there’s anything I could say about my style as an artist, I like classic cartoons and old school pinups.
I’ve grown so much as an artist, it was far from easy, my dad wasn’t the most supportive about me wanting to be an artist. So it was something I pushed down and kind of hid from the world. So now to be able to say “Look at what I’ve done!” Feel so satisfying! I went from being the kid who grew up being told there’s no money in it, you’re not that great of an artist, not going to get anywhere… To having my own damn gallery! Not so bad for a 6-year-old who just wanted to be a cartoonist! Don’t let somebody crush your dreams, be realistic, but continue to push!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man! If I could recommend places to check out, we will be here all day… Feels like I’m explaining a date with Tré…
I’m a bit of a nerd… So I’m a sucker for a good bookstore or comic book shop… My favorite comic book shop would be Acme comics on Lawndale! Is the oldest comic book shop in Greensboro, I’ve helped out there for years, and jokingly consider them my Acme family… No joke my kid had his first steps there… Another awesome place, Lost ark video games, if you’re a sucker for old video games it is the best place to go! Has a little bit of everything! Plus an arcade!!! If you want to chill spot to drink or be social I actually have three real favorites, Potent Potables in Jamestown, Speakeasy tavern, and Gate City Growlers (also where I had my first full gallery). Another awesome place to check out is Brewers Kettle in High Point, shout out to Kris Saintsing! Brewers Kettle has an awesome art community, and a gallery which they change out the art each month with different themes! He definitely does a great job, and is super supportive! And I have to say check out Pig pounder brewery, that’s where my drink.and draw group meets most Wednesdays! Also where I had my first vendor show!
And last but not least, this is an encompassing you need to just walk around and check out, check out Downtown Greensboro! Walk around, so many different things to absorb and enjoy! I mean come on there’s a haberdashery that I love, an awesome hat store… That’s off of market Street, so many different bars to check out, so many different random shops! No matter what you do down there, if you look hard enough, or just try to have a good time… You will find something to enjoy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I know it’s cheesy, but if I had to give credit to a single person, I can only give it to my mom (Susie Stewart). She is stood behind me my entire life, I was a child of divorce, it is always been just the two of us for a long time… With all the ups and downs, she’s always supported me. She might even be the source of most of my headaches and frustration… But when push comes to shove, she has always had my back.

Groups, it would have to be my Drink and Draw group! “Drink and Draw Nomads of the Triad” talk about a group of amazing artists and creatives! The way we fed off each other, learned from each other, and just the simple camaraderie! Oh my goodness I could stay here all day talking about this… We meet every Wednesday, it’s incredible how much I’ve learned from this group of people. Sometimes the best family isn’t the family you’re born into, is the family you picked and cultivated.
Those guys are amazing, Wayne Miller, Jody Merriman, John Anderson… And that’s just the name of few of the guys… Dude I love my Drink and Draw group! They really keep me going!

And of course my kids!!! Art, Avery, and Cassidy

Instagram: Tremeans3

Facebook: Tre Gibson