Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Austin Ackert of East Mesa

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Austin Ackert. Check out our conversation below.

Austin, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Weekdays I wake up at 5:30am and get some coffee, head to my day job from 6:30am-2:30pm, get home around 3:30pm and shower. I then see to a few things around the house, relax for a half hour or so and then hit the studio room and work on art projects until dinner and then get back to it until about 8:30-9pm. I then wind down with some tv and go to bed around 10pm. On the weekends I usually have events like conventions or art show’s that I set up a table at and sell my wares, network and promote myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Austin Ackert and I am a cartoonist, comic book artist, and freelance illustrator. I am also a husband and father to 2 kids. I work a job by day and do my art by night And on the weekends. I travel around Arizona and around the country where I can to conventions and art shows to sell my work, meet people and make connections.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom and dad. They are both hard workers and instilled in me a good work ethic at a young age. They also always supported my talents and believed in me telling me I could do whatever I wanted as a living. A lot of times you hear about parents telling their kids there’s no money in art and to get a real job but my parents always supported my dreams.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
In my early twenties I was a homeless drug addict constantly in and out of jail and detox centers. I had absolutely no trajectory to my life and had forgotten all my dreams. I was healed when I had kids and met my wife. She took me off the streets and gave me a purpose. After a few years of being a family man I finally decided to pull out the dreams, brush them off and get back to them.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I would think my closest friends would say that family really matters to me. I admire those that are self made and don’t rely on hand outs or short cuts. I think I feel like I spent so many years panhandling and depending on family and strangers to take care of me that I am filled with a lot of guilt and wish I could have been better about supporting myself. Now days I try to provide for my family and be there for them. I try to instill values in my kids and teach them to be kind and empathetic. I also want them to hold fast to their beliefs whether they be liberal or conservative. I don’t want them to judge too quickly, I feel it’s important to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to see the reasons behind things.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a good man, my feelings and thoughts were deep, and I always brought good vibes wherever I went

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @austinackertart
• Twitter: @austinackertart
• Facebook: The Art of Austin Ackert
• Youtube: Austin Ackert