Meet Shawn Coss | Artist / Brand Owner

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

Hi Shawn, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
One of the most important factors behind the success of Any Means Necessary is my business partner and I’s refusal to not give it everything we have. While many would give up after a few mistakes and setbacks, we never once thought to quit but rather bear down and push forward because we knew if we didn’t, another would.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As far as I can remember I’ve always been drawn to art. It’s not something that I decided “oh hey I wanna be an artist” but something that’s always been with me. I’d find any reason to draw when growing up, and would try to skip classes just to hang out in my art teacher’s room to get a few more drawings done. It wasn’t until I was around 28 before I got my break into the world of art as a career. Growing up in Ohio, being a creator isn’t really something people grow up to be. So that part of breaking through that mundane was especially difficult when so many doubted any type of career could come of it.

A big lesson I’ve learned and one I try to pass on to younger and aspiring artists is that nothing comes quick. So many today just want to be “famous” or “popular” on social media as an artist and think there’s some secret to getting there. There is a secret actually, and I’ll share it here.

There is no “secret”. If there was, it would be passion, practice, and hard work. I didn’t become a professional artist just one day because I wanted to be, I had a 10 year plus life of drawing that no one really saw. But that time allowed me to build and hone my style so when the time came, I was able to carve out my own niche of art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
first off, I’d tell anyone, don’t come to Ohio for a week long trip. I know people will probably hate me for that but I hate and love living here. The mentality here is so very normal and I have always preferred the creativity of Las Angeles, Seattle, or Colorado. But, if you did find yourself stranded here for a week I’d take you to the NightLight for some indie style films, the speakeasy in downtown Akron. The rock n roll hall of fame is pretty legit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents are a big reason I am successful in the career I have today. At a young age, they did whatever it took to provide for us and to make sure we never had to live on the streets. From working 16 hour days, 5 to 6 jobs, just to make ends meet, they lived and breathed the Any Means Necessary life. My Mom, has always been a champion for me in whatever I wanted to pursue. Whether it was music, acting, art, or nursing, she would always tell me I’d be the very best at it

Website: www.anymeansnecessary.com

Instagram: @shawncoss

Linkedin: shawncoss

Twitter: @shawncoss

Facebook: @shawncossartist