Nicholas Scheppard and Jenson Titus, the comedic duo behind Very Gay Paint, have turned their commitment to comedy into a surprising career as muralists. What started as a pandemic pastime quickly escalated into a full-fledged mural painting venture, with their work now adorning high-profile locations like RuPaul’s dining room and Trixie Mattel’s Trixie Motel in Palm Springs.
Despite lacking formal visual art backgrounds, Scheppard and Titus have honed their skills through hands-on experience and a genuine passion for their craft. While Scheppard possesses a keen design eye, Titus excels in executing their artistic visions. Their unique blend of comedy and visual art has garnered attention, leading to exciting opportunities and a growing portfolio.
However, Very Gay Paint’s success hasn’t changed their satirical approach to their work. The duo remains committed to injecting humor into every aspect of their brand. They create hilarious sketch-comedy videos to promote their murals, craft tongue-in-cheek social media captions, and parody the content produced by contemporary artists. Their website tagline proudly declares, “We paint things in a way that is very gay,” setting the tone for their irreverent and absurd approach.
Balancing their comedic roots with their newfound success as muralists has presented unexpected challenges. Scheppard and Titus initially developed the brand’s satirical voice as a response to feeling pigeonholed as visual artists while considering themselves primarily performers and comedians. They wanted to ensure they didn’t take themselves too seriously and maintained an element of playfulness in their work.
Very Gay Paint’s comedic premise centers around their overemphasis on their gay identities. They found it amusing how society often assigns special significance to someone’s identification as gay, even when their skills or talents may be mediocre. However, in the face of recent anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and discriminatory behaviors, they recognize the importance of celebrating being gay as a powerful and productive statement.
Navigating their comedy pursuits alongside their muralist career has required adjustment. Scheppard and Titus have learned to take things one day at a time, relinquishing the need to rigidly adhere to predefined schedules and expectations. They’ve discovered the freedom in allowing the company to be their job without it defining their entire identities. By shifting their focus from ambition to joy and pleasure, they have reconnected with the art and comedy of their work, producing content that is authentic and enjoyable.
While Very Gay Paint continues to expand, they remain committed to their core values of silliness and stupidity. They understand that success doesn’t require them to be esteemed and serious but allows them to embrace their role as the “little stupid man” operating a grand machine. As they navigate the growth of their brand, one thing is certain: they will always stay true to their gay identity while reveling in the delightful absurdity of their work.
Nicholas Scheppard and Jenson Titus, through their venture Very Gay Paint, have seamlessly blended comedy and mural painting, turning their commitment to the bit into a successful career. Their irreverent and satirical approach, combined with their passion for art, has propelled them to work on high-profile projects while remaining true to their comedic roots. They embrace their gay identity, challenge societal expectations, and find joy in the art they create. As they continue to evolve and grow, Scheppard and Titus strive to maintain their playful and silly demeanor, enjoying the freedom and authenticity it brings to their work.
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