Darin Balaban
Artist
For a long time, I felt stuck trying to fit into other people’s expectations—what success should look like, what kind of work I should be making, how I should present myself. I was chasing something vague and external, and it just wasn’t working. I broke free by getting honest: about what I care about, how I want to work, and what kind of life I want art to support—not the other way around.
Now I make what feels true, even if it’s weird, quiet, or not immediately understood. That’s freedom to me. That, and being able to answer emails in luxurious loungewear with a cup of coffee in my hand.
“I want to experience as many different tastes, sights, emotions, conflicts, and cultures as possible, so that I can expand the canvas of my memory and enrich my comedy."
– Patton Oswalt
My life revolves around art
—especially murals. I’m drawn to scale, movement, and the challenge of making something that lives out in the world. When I’m not painting or sketching, I’m reading SLAP message boards, occasionally actually skateboarding, and going down podcast rabbit holes—usually about weird niche subcultures or overly in-depth movie breakdowns. It’s all part of how I process the world.
Some days I’m painting a 30-foot wall—other days I’m five episodes deep into the history of music samples. Both get me where I need to go.
I split my time between a home office for design and admin, and a studio for painting. Lately I’ve been floating between spaces, but I’m planning to lock one down when I move to Los Angeles. Huge thanks to Elliot and Julia for letting me work out of the San Francisco gallery when I need it.
Staying active means staying curious—exploring new places, stepping back, starting again. What keeps me moving is the possibility that the next piece might finally say what I’ve been trying to say all along.
THINGS TO LIVE BY AS AN ARTIST
1. Start your day with coffee and something small—one sketch, one email, one thought. Momentum matters.
2. Sketch daily—even if it’s trash. It adds up.
3. Keep studio and admin separate—it’s a sanity saver.
4. Don’t overthink your style. Just make what feels good and honest.
5. Let the work evolve—if you’re doing it right, it won’t stay the same.
