How Art Meets Commerce At Visual Imagination

Want to understand what makes Mark Morris—the creative genius behind Visual Imagination in Peculiar, Mo., and in the interest of personal disclosure a cherished friend—so successful? Look no further than the images below.

The first is of Rhaegal, a “Game of Thrones” dragon-themed Skater 438 catamaran Morris and his crew painted for a longtime client. No matter your opinion of the subject matter, you cannot deny the excellence of its artistry and execution.

“The owner wanted the Rhaegal dragon theme, but I didn’t just want to paint a dragon on the hullsides and deck so I came up with something a little different,” Morris explained. “The entire boat would become a dragon. The owner liked the idea and we went with it.”

Below that you’ll find DIRTy Money, a Nor-Tech 500 Sport center console Morris painted for new clients Jesse and Stephanie Neumann of Minnesota. The 50-footer—the Neumann’s second—Is named for the couple’s earth moving and excavation business.

“They wanted something elegant but still sporty,” Morris said. “I think we achieved that.”

Though the two paintjobs couldn’t be more different, they have two things in common. First, of course, is the man who painted them. Second is his ability to listen to what his clients want, run it through his own creative filter and produce something special.

When it comes to painting, Morris knows he can execute just about anything a client wants. His talent is that massive and his versatility that remarkable, as evidenced by the photos here and his body of work during the years.

But his key to success, the one that has enabled him to make a fine living as a commercial artist?

Morris listens to his clients—a lost art for sure—and delivers what they want. He suggests but doesn’t push. He understands who is paying, often handsomely, the bills. He does not put his own vision above the desires of his clients.

In short, he understands the relationship between commercial art and, you know, commerce.

And on the side, he’s one hell of a ping-pong player.—Matt Trulio

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