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Monday, August 11, 2025

The Creative Mindset: Anthony Zappin’s Guide to Thriving as an Artist

For Anthony Zappin, art has never been just about paint on a canvas—it’s about perspective, mindset, and the courage to create without limits. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, and earning his Fine Arts degree from Marshall University’s Visual Arts Center, Zappin has become known for his versatility in abstract art, moving between styles with a fluidity few artists can match. His ability to adapt, innovate, and continually surprise his audience has made him a respected figure in the art world.


Over the years, Zappin has learned that thriving as an artist requires more than technical skill. It demands a mindset that blends curiosity, resilience, and the confidence to take creative risks. Here, he shares his key principles for building not just an artistic career, but a fulfilling artistic life.






1. Think Like an Explorer, Not a Perfectionist



Zappin believes that one of the biggest traps artists fall into is perfectionism. The need to “get it right” can paralyze creativity. Instead, he encourages thinking like an explorer—viewing each painting as a journey rather than a final exam.


His own career began with unexpected turns, including his very first abstract piece that started as a portrait but evolved into something entirely different. “It taught me that a painting doesn’t have to end where you thought it would,” he says. This mindset has allowed him to create works that are both spontaneous and deeply original, as seen in his evolving portfolio on Behance, where his range of styles is showcased in detail.





2. Feed Your Creativity Every Day



Inspiration doesn’t always arrive in dramatic flashes—it often grows from daily habits. Zappin treats his creative mind like a muscle, feeding it with art, music, literature, and experiences. He’s a regular visitor to galleries, a collector of visual references, and someone who pays close attention to the colors, shapes, and patterns in his environment.


He advises aspiring artists to be intentional about seeking inspiration. This can mean dedicating time each day to sketching, experimenting with color palettes, or simply observing the world. His presence on platforms like Hashnode reflects this approach, where he shares ideas, insights, and creative thoughts that keep his artistic mind active and evolving.





3. Develop a Personal “Creative Code”



While Zappin’s style is adaptable, his work always carries a distinctive fingerprint—a reflection of what he calls his “creative code.” This code is a personal set of values, techniques, and themes that guide his art without locking him into a single formula.


He suggests that artists identify their own creative code by asking:


  • What subjects fascinate me?
  • What colors or textures do I naturally gravitate toward?
  • What emotions do I want my work to evoke?



This internal compass helps maintain authenticity even as you evolve, ensuring that your work remains recognizable and deeply personal. As noted in his Crunchbase profile, Zappin’s career success comes from balancing this artistic authenticity with a strategic approach to growing his presence and opportunities in the creative industry.





4. Treat Setbacks as Part of the Process



In Zappin’s experience, artistic setbacks are not signs of failure—they’re essential stepping stones. A painting that doesn’t work out, a rejected gallery submission, or a slow sales month can all serve as lessons if approached with the right mindset.


He shares that some of his most successful works were born from paintings he initially disliked. By reworking them with new techniques or perspectives, he turned them into pieces that resonated deeply with viewers. The key, he says, is not to discard challenges, but to transform them into opportunities.





5. Connect with People, Not Just Collectors



For Zappin, art is a conversation. While selling paintings is part of making a living, building genuine connections with viewers, fellow artists, and the broader creative community is equally important. He often engages in discussions about his process, inspirations, and the stories behind his works, fostering relationships that go beyond transactions.


This human connection builds a loyal audience that supports and follows your work through its many phases. It’s a reminder that art lives not just in galleries, but in the emotions and memories it stirs in others.





Final Thoughts



Anthony Zappin’s career proves that thriving as an artist is as much about mindset as it is about skill. By thinking like an explorer, feeding your creativity daily, defining a personal creative code, embracing setbacks, and connecting with people, you can build a body of work—and a career—that reflects your truest artistic self.


His advice is not about finding a single “right way” to make art. Instead, it’s about crafting a creative life that is dynamic, meaningful, and deeply personal. As Zappin himself puts it, “The best art is not the kind that imitates—it’s the kind that reveals.”

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Anthony Zappin: A Journey Through the Abstract Canvas

In the realm of contemporary art, few names resonate with the same level of creativity and innovation as Anthony Zappin. Hailing from the serene landscapes of Huntington, West Virginia, Zappin is a visionary artist whose work transcends conventional boundaries, inviting viewers into a mesmerizing world of abstract expression. In this article, we embark on a captivating journey through the vivid and dynamic creations of Anthony Zappin, exploring the themes, techniques, and inspirations that define his remarkable body of work.


Thursday, January 25, 2024

The Enduring Signature: Anthony Zappin's Consistent Style Throughout His Career

Anthony Zappin, a maestro in the realm of abstract art, has left an indelible mark with his distinctive and consistent artistic style. Despite his propensity for experimentation with various forms of abstract paintings, Zappin's ability to maintain a recognizable signature throughout his career is a testament to his artistic process and unwavering vision.


Friday, December 22, 2023

Anthony Zappin: Unveiling the Emotional Palette of Abstract Art

Within the realm of abstract art, colors reign supreme, serving as the primary medium through which artists like Anthony Zappin convey emotions and provoke contemplation. Born on August 25, 1985, in Huntington, West Virginia, Zappin has established himself as a maestro of color, utilizing palettes to intricately weave emotions into his abstract masterpieces. In this exploration, we unravel the psychology behind the vibrant hues in Zappin's artwork, unveiling the concealed messages and evocative sentiments his creations impart.


Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Exploring Anthony Zappin's Artistic Journey: A Tapestry of Inspirations

In the enchanting world of artistry, Anthony Zappin emerges as a maestro weaving a rich spectrum of inspirations into his mesmerizing abstract paintings. His canvases, vibrant with hues and evocative patterns, echo a myriad of influences sourced from the realms of nature, emotions, urban vitality, cultural diversity, inner contemplation, and an unending quest for artistic discovery.


Tuesday, September 26, 2023

The Multifaceted Influences Behind Anthony Zappin's Captivating Art

Every artist is a product of their experiences, observations, and the world around them. For Anthony Zappin, the creator of mesmerizing abstract artworks, a multitude of influences converges to shape his unique artistic vision. Let's explore the diverse and captivating sources of inspiration that have left an indelible mark on Zappin's remarkable body of work.



Nature's Kaleidoscope

The natural world serves as a boundless wellspring of inspiration for artists, and Zappin is no exception. He draws from the vivid colors, intricate patterns, and awe-inspiring landscapes found in nature. From the vibrant hues of a blooming garden to the mesmerizing geometry of seashells, Zappin translates nature's kaleidoscope into his abstract compositions.


Emotional Landscapes

Zappin's art is a profound exploration of human emotions and inner landscapes. He channels the complexity of human feelings—joy, sadness, love, and introspection—into visual expressions. His artwork becomes a mirror to our own emotions, inviting viewers to delve into their inner worlds.


Urban Energy

Having spent much of his life in Huntington, Zappin has absorbed the urban energy, rhythm, and diversity of city life. His artworks often echo the dynamism of the cityscape, with bold colors and dynamic compositions. The constant motion of the city streets and the towering skyscrapers find their way into his art.


Cultural Mosaic

Zappin's fascination with diverse cultures and traditions is a significant well of inspiration. He weaves elements from various cultural tapestries into his artwork. From the intricate designs of Persian carpets to the vibrant hues of Indian festivals, cultural influences enrich his creations, infusing them with depth and diversity.


Inner Odyssey

Zappin's art is not just a reflection of the external world; it is also a journey into his own psyche. He explores the depths of consciousness, and this inner exploration manifests in his art. His abstract pieces become a visual language for the intricate workings of the human mind and spirit.


Artistic Evolution

Zappin's commitment to his craft and his ceaseless artistic exploration are key influences. He constantly pushes the boundaries of his creativity, experimenting with new materials, techniques, and styles. This relentless pursuit of artistic growth fuels his passion and results in ever-evolving and captivating artworks.


Music's Harmony 

Music plays a vital role in Zappin's creative process. He often listens to music while working, and the rhythms and melodies find their way onto his canvas. The harmonious interplay of colors and shapes in his artwork is akin to a musical composition, creating a symphony for the eyes.


In conclusion, Anthony Zappin's art is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of the world around him, the human experience, and his inner explorations. His ability to distill a myriad of influences into abstract masterpieces is a testament to his artistic depth and versatility. As he continues to draw inspiration from the world, his art remains a vibrant and evolving testament to the power of creativity and self-expression.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

The Psychology of Colors in Anthony Zappin's Abstract Art

The world of abstract art is a realm where colors take center stage, and artists like Anthony Zappin masterfully wield their palettes to evoke emotions and provoke thought. Anthony Zappin, born on August 25, 1985, in Huntington, West Virginia, has become renowned for his ability to use colors in a way that captivates viewers, drawing them into the intricate tapestry of his abstract creations. In this exploration, we delve into the psychology of colors in Zappin's art, uncovering the hidden messages and emotions that his work conveys.


The Creative Mindset: Anthony Zappin’s Guide to Thriving as an Artist

For Anthony Zappin, art has never been just about paint on a canvas—it’s about perspective, mindset, and the courage to create without limit...