LP: When you were in school (undergrad) what was your idea of what life as an artist would be when you got out of school?

Hank: When I was in school I imagined that being an artist was a commitment to being broke (in a totally romantic and noble way).

-What were some of the first jobs you had once you were out of school?

I was a photographer's assistant and a production assistant. I worked on shoots for a bunch of magazines, but my claims to fame were guarding the back door at a Victoria's Secret commercial and being Delroy Lindo's personal assistant on the Cider House Rules (which lead to knitting place-mats with Charlize Theron).

-Did you receive advice from professors/ peers/ mentors/ family as to how you should approach making a living as an artist?

I have the unique situation where my mom joined the faculty of my department 3 years after I graduated, so it is pretty unclear for me what I learned from faculty and what I learned from mom via osmosis. But an aunt once told me, "I've known you for some time and you will never take a job you don't like," which I took to mean I should do whatever I wanted - which led me to trying to build a career about communicating my ideas in a visual format.

-What is one of the most unusual things you have done to make money?

Sold art. Seriously.

-What has been the trajectory of your sustainability as an artist? (i.e. has it gotten progressively easier over the years or more of a constant fluctuation)

By the time i even realized that I had a career, I had been working on it for seven years. And I really felt like I had no choice. I was just trying to figure some things out, and other people (thank god) took interest in it and gave me the confidence to believe in my creative process. That encouragement keeps me applying for grants and residencies and showing my work whenever and wherever I can. I don't know if a non-teaching art career is ever that sustainable because most of your money goes back into your work anyway. But my curiosity sustains my interest in making work, and hopefully will help sustain an audience. I have also managed to keep rent low by doing lots of residencies.

-What kinds of jobs have you found to be the most suitable for maintaining an art practice?

I loved PAing on films. You work long hours, but you get to learn how to hustle and don't spend any money on shooting days. I used to work 6 months and kick it for six months because I could save up so much money. But pretty much anything freelance helps find the time to make work if you don't get burnt out.

-Has selling art been a significant source of income? What percentage of your income comes from the sale of art?

Yes. Sales - 65%, Commissions - 10%, Grants - 35%

-Are there ways that you have shaped your lifestyle that come directly from your pursuits as an artist?

I keep the Bay Area as my base, but use every excuse I can to travel for months on end to meet people. Mostly through residencies.

-What are your next steps as an artist and what kinds of support will you need to take those steps?

My next step is to learn how to tame the email and administrative beast and concentrate more on making work and developing the concepts and materials I'm currently focusing on in my work.