Be good at what you do, know it, and share it. Recognize your strengths, understand your weaknesses, and embrace your gifts — then offer them to the world.
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Dylon Thomas Burns.
Founder of MadeStudios, Dylon Thomas Burns is a New York artist who specializes in large-scale murals, decor, and custom artwork for both commercial and residential projects. He received his BFA in design and computers from the School of Visual Arts. Although not formally trained in painting, he grew into his art by committing to his creative expressions and under the mentorship of artists like Carl Nicholas Titolo and Kyu Nam Han. Among his most significant works is the recently unveiled commemorative mural of Coventry in celebration of the music and community surrounding the legendary club where iconic 1970s bands played their earliest gigs and shaped the music scene of an era.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
In many ways, I’d say I’m still growing up. And so far, it’s been a beautiful journey. My early years were filled with good friends and kind neighbors in a small town and a world without the internet. Sure, we didn’t have the instantaneous access to information available today. But in the innocence of childhood, what I had instead was more a sense of freedom to explore creativity and develop a deeper connection and appreciation of nature. And I’m grateful for the foundation this gave me.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
My career in art began as a way of living, not just a creative expression but a natural, intrinsic part of who I am. Creating brought me joy and connection, and opportunities grew as I invested energy into my craft. I realized I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. But, in order to make that sustainable, I decided to build a business around it. I educated myself on the practicalities of what that required and refined my skills. This approach has allowed me to make a living, to travel, and stay true to the passion that started it all.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
There have been quite a number of those. But one unforgettable moment happened in 2017 at Art Basel while I was painting a public piece. Someone approached me with an unexpected proposition to consult on a groundbreaking project combining finance, art, technology, and cryptocurrency. They offered a high hourly rate for my artistic perspective and ability to bring the vision to life in a way others could connect with. It felt surreal since it was an entirely new world for me, like stepping into a completely different dimension of creativity and innovation. What began as a spontaneous encounter turned into a dynamic collaboration and a meaningful relationship. It’s moments like these that remind me how art can spark unexpected connections and open doors you never imagined.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
A very recent highlight for me was creating a commemorative 25×12-foot mural in the Sunnyside neighborhood in Queens. The piece is meant to pay homage to Coventry, the iconic club that was pivotal in defining New York’s 1970s punk and glam rock scenes by hosting the earliest gigs of now legendary bands like KISS, the Ramones, and the New York Dolls. Using a variety of spray paints and oil in bold colors, I rendered images of vintage music posters and ads layered against a dynamic snapshot of the raw, rebellious energy of the community.
I worked on it in close collaboration with Dylan Bauver, a talented artist, and Charlie Sub (the son of Coventry’s founder Paul) adding a deeply personal element to the project. Charlie, who headlines the indie rock band Sound Dogs, shared their precious family history, while Rich Brotman, also a member of Sound Dogs, was integral in shaping the overall vision for the mural. Their support enabled us to capture the club’s enduring legacy and bring it to life in hopes of connecting the present community with its rich past while inspiring new stories. The experience was made even more rewarding when the mural unveiling coincided with the Queens Historical Society bestowing the prestigious Queensmark to Coventry. It underscores the cultural importance of mural and of Coventry itself in the community. Seeing the excitement of locals and music fans has been incredibly rewarding, a reminder of how art can preserve and celebrate a shared heritage.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I’ve met many fascinating people over the years. A mentor and friend, Kyu Nam Han, a 73-year-old Korean painter and quantum physics lecturer, has profoundly shaped my understanding of art and life. Then there’s Al Diaz, a contemporary of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who reinforced the importance of authenticity and recognized my ability to tap into the unique energy of a place. Dylan Bauver, one of my best friends and a talented artist and entrepreneur, became an inspiring collaborator after we met through a psychic medium painter. I could go on about encounters with other interesting people but it’s the serendipitous moments — whether expected or not — that remind me we all have something valuable to share.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
One experience that stands out is lying in the woods, watching light dance through the trees, casting shadows that moved across the ground. That interplay of light and shadow became the foundation for a series I’m working on called Strokes, where I explore depth, movement, and emotion. The Strokes series captures the profound interplay of light, color, and form to evoke connection. Drawing on the science of perception, each piece reflects how light shapes our experience of the world and how color, rooted in both physics and emotion, speaks directly to the human spirit. A single stroke becomes a vessel for raw feeling, using simplicity to convey depth and resonance. The series transforms fleeting moments into lasting impressions, bridging the physical and emotional worlds.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
For me, success means happiness, contentment, and the security of feeling that time is yours. It’s about being free to share that joy with others. If I could empower others, especially children, by helping them access art, I would. Art is a universal human resource that improves lives, regardless of background. My hope is to make art accessible and give people a glimpse into the freedom, self-discovery, and expression that it offers.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 . Be good at what you do, know it, and share it. Recognize your strengths, understand your weaknesses, and embrace your gifts — then offer them to the world.
2 . Make art that’s true to you. Honor your truth and create something real. Authenticity resonates, and the energy you put into your truth will undoubtedly connect with someone. Create to connect.
3 . Value your work from the start. Each piece holds its own value, and embracing that is crucial. The public has the right to perceive your work differently, but don’t lose sight of your worth. Energy goes where energy flows.
4 . Take time to recharge. Creativity thrives with rest, and stepping back renews your perspective. Allow yourself to go through the process — it’s all part of the journey.
5 . Are you living to make art or making art for a living? This question grounds you, reminding you to stay connected to the joy of creating.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 😊
If I could inspire a movement, it would be about promoting art in mental health. Art has a way of grounding us, providing space to express, reflect, and heal. Bringing art into schools and community centers as a tool for well-being could be life-changing, especially in places where creative freedom is limited. Empowering people through art can unlock potential, inspire resilience, and transform lives.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
If I could, I’d host a “filling the table” breakfast with people I know well but who’ve never met each other — friends, mentors, collaborators. Each would bring unique stories and perspectives, sparking conversations that blend experience, humor, and fresh ideas to start our day. It wouldn’t just be about the food; it would be about sharing stories and discovering connections across different lives. Together, we’d fill the table with laughter and memories, creating a shared experience that celebrates the ties that connect us all.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
People can follow me on Instagram @dylonthomasburns
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Dylon Thomas Burns of MadeStudios: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.