The leap from Scientist to Muralist

The Decision to Quit My Corporate Job
I wish I could say that when I quit my corporate job, it was because of a burning passion for murals that I just had to pursue—or that I had an idea of what I wanted to do or where the year would take me. In truth, I only knew that I thoroughly disliked my job as a pharmaceutical development scientist and had no desire to keep progressing down that path. I couldn’t see any future where I would use my skills and interests, and in general, struggled to buy into the corporate culture.

In September 2023, I gave myself a deadline: quit during the first week of January 2024. That gave me four months to save as much money as possible and explore ways to support myself after leaving.

Preparing for the Leap
At the time, I was already working a second job as a suite attendant at the University of Wisconsin stadium, earning decent money. I focused on cutting spending and determining the minimum I needed to live frugally while covering my bills.

I also explored remote job options, eventually finding a role with DataAnnotation, where I trained AI by working on tasks that paid between $20–$26 per hour. It was flexible, like Uber for AI training, and became a lifeline for about six months until I started earning enough from other work to scale back.

My First Mural as Syd the Muralist and Its Impact
I have had a passion for creating art in various forms my whole life, but I had only painted 4 murals at the time I decided to quit lab work. I knew (but was scared to admit) that I had a talent and that I loved the process, but had not taken many steps to find regular work, and there were long gaps between projects. The first week after quitting, I got my first-ever mural commission for a business. It felt like fate. To secure the job, I agreed to do it for just the cost of materials and a good review. The job was at a small, local car shop, and after two years in big pharma and corporate life, the change was incredibly refreshing.

I painted their logo, mission statement, and quotes around the shop. By the time the work was finished, I had become friends with the family and even starred in their local car commercial as a mom whose car was in the shop. They were so happy with my work—and my willingness to be in their commercial—that they ended up paying me. That first check earned entirely through my labor and creativity felt so aligned. It confirmed my decision to pursue murals and led me to take this path seriously.

Building Skills and Connections,
I reached out to DAMA, a local arts organization in Madison, and after a meeting with the director, I started volunteering in exchange for mentorship. That decision paid off tenfold. I gained experience organizing and painting community murals, working with other young artists, and learning large-scale painting tools and methods. I was also allowed to design and execute a large public mural for COPA, another Madison organization supporting local artists.

The COPA project gave me visibility, and by the time it was finished, I had built strong relationships with their team. These connections led to additional opportunities throughout the year, and I am still actively a part of the organization today.

Finding Creative Solutions to Save Costs
Since I wasn’t getting paid for much of my early mural work, I had to cut costs. An extraneous expense was my gym membership, which, while not “technically” necessary, was essential to me. The gym is simply put, my place, and I didn’t want to give it up.

So, I asked about a job at the front desk to get a free membership. As it turned out, there was also an opening for an aqua-fitness instructor. I had no idea what the role entailed, but being a swimmer and an athlete my whole life, it sounded fun. Also, still hesitant to put myself out there as an artist, I figured if I could stand in front of a group of old ladies and lead a class, I could handle any social situation. Teaching my first class hooked me immediately. I loved the community, helping people stay active, and stepping outside my comfort zone.

Expanding My Roles
As I started picking up mural jobs and teaching aquafit, I realized I still needed more income. I inquired about becoming a personal swim trainer at the gym. With 14 years of competitive swimming experience, including college, I was hired. It took about three months to build a solid client base, but once I did, swim training became a reliable source of income. After years of being the one in the water, it was a whole new and refreshing experience being on the other side and to get to give back to the sport I love.

Trusting the Process
There were doubts. A lot. From my peers, family and friends, and myself. The whole year was an exciting and scary mix of faking it until I made it—declaring I was a muralist again and again, even when my portfolio didn’t feel strong enough to prove it. Every mural job came with a new set of challenges, and I never went in knowing for sure that I could pull it off. But each time, I surprised myself. I learned so much, was humbled many times, and became my biggest advocate. Trusting myself and my abilities is still something I’m working on, but as of yet every time I bet on myself it pays off.

Reflections from Year 1
What I do for work has become one of the hardest questions. “Muralist, aquafit instructor, swim trainer, suite attendant” is not the response I ever expected to give. Balancing multiple roles, from teaching and training at the gym to painting murals, has created an unconventional but fulfilling lifestyle that fits me.

The year was challenging mentally, physically, and financially, but was so worth it. Everything I do now aligns with my passions, I’ve built a foundation I’m proud of, and I am starting to turn a profit.

In 2025, I’m expanding my mural portfolio, deepening my connections, and continuing to build on this incredible journey.