Walt Davis

Singing, dancing and artistry attract tourists along the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, CA. There are no shortage of vendors trying to capitalize on the tourists. Canadian born Walt Davis sets up his workplace whenever he needs cash.

“I’ll come out here if I need the extra bit of cash to help pay the bills,” Davis said. “About 20 years ago I was suing somebody, and I needed the extra money to help pay for the lawyer; this is when I started coming out to draw people.”

When Davis is not on the pier, he creates layouts, logos, special effects, cosplay and costume designs.

“When people do not pay me on time, that is when I go to the boardwalk and set up a stand to start drawing families,” Davis said.

Being a freelance artist, Davis designs costumes and props for his clients as well.

“One of the craziest costumes I have ever designed for someone, was a large bear costume for a commercial,” Davis said.

Davis originally went into the art field, because of his love for Art History.

“The Renaissance stands out as a big inspiration for going into the art industry,” Davis said. “Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci have always been my biggest inspirations because of the art they produced during the Renaissance.”

Davis moved from Canada to America over 40 years ago. Here he began to make a name for himself in the art world.

“I have been to almost every state in the U.S. for the conventions and other art related matters,” Davis said.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much money you make, what matters most is the smile you put on the face of your customer.