Saskatchewan·Creator NetworkPainter George Glenn says he always knew art was his calling. Jayde Goodon is a Métis tattoo and street artist better known as Wizwon. He quit school, but he followed his dreams and he never looked back. Filmmaker Jabez Santiago asked both of them what advice they have for the next generation of artists.Filmmaker Jabez Santiago profiles 2 artists for a new mini-doc for the Creator NetworkAnna-May Zeviar · CBC News · Posted: Sep 13, 2025 6:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoA large mural painted by Jayde (Wizwon) Goodon can be seen on the side of a Saskatoon building. (Submitted by Jabez Santiago)CBC Saskatchewan’s Creator Network is a place where young digital storytellers from diverse backgrounds can produce original video content to air on CBC and tell stories through their own lens. Get in touch or pitch your own story here.Is it possible to turn your love for creating art into a sustainable career? For some, the idea of “making it” as an artist may seem like a pipe dream, or a path of uncertainty and financial hardship.But for two Saskatchewan artists, the journey wasn’t about seeking fame or fortune; it was about leaning into their undeniable desire to create.”I never wanted to be anybody, I just wanted to do this stuff, and the more I did it, it just became me,” said Jayde Goodon, a Métis tattoo and street artist from Saskatoon who goes by the name of Wizwon.Goodon said he was always drawing in elementary school. But by Grade 8, he had quit school.Jayde (Wizwon) Goodon sits in his Saskatoon studio. (Submitted by Jabez Santiago)His father pushed him to get a job, which he did. But he said he was always drawn back into making art. Now, the self-taught professional creates stunning tattoos, painted canvases and huge murals for a living. A notebook full of drawings by artist Jayde (Wizwon) Goodon. (Submitted by Jabez Santiago)Goodon remembers hearing a line from a song called Life Support by Homeboy Sandman that said, “If I stop making art, then I’ll die.””I think that resonated with me, like big time,” he said.He also credits a lot of supportive people along the way for pushing him to keep working harder, and he encourages other aspiring artists to do the same.”My advice would be just this, like, if you’re going to do it, do it,” he said. “And don’t look for the final outcome, you know.”WATCH | Two professional artists on how they followed their passion and found success: Ignore the naysayers — these artists think you can turn your passion into a careerMeet two professional artists in Saskatchewan who were discouraged from pursuing art as a career but still made a go of it.George Glenn is retired now but for decades, he was a working visual artist and teacher in Western Canada.Born in Regina, he moved to Prince Albert in 1975 and is known primarily as an abstract and still life painter, who uses acrylics, oils, opaque water-colours and pastels.”It may not even be good, but you just keep doing it because you love doing it,” he said.Artist George Glenn sits in his studio in Prince Albert. (Submitted by Jabez Santiago)He remembers being warned in university that a life of art meant being a nobody, with no money. “I think I’ve done better than that, so I’ve got no complaints about recognition or poverty,” Glenn said. “If it’s what you want to do, you do it.”Glenn said he was his own worst critic when it came to following his passion. He said anyone who wants to be an artist may have similar thoughts.”You’re going to have that inner voice which tells you it’s wrong or it’s bad or it’s not going to go anywhere, you’re going to be a flop, you’ll disappoint your parents, you know, you won’t contribute to your society,” he said.But he said people need to try to quiet that negative self-talk, if they want to pursue their passion. A watercolour painted by artist George Glenn. (Submitted by Jabez Santiago)”There’s no way you can be true to yourself if you’re always calling yourself down,” Glenn said.As for Goodon, he said he’s grateful he’s been able to build a successful career since quitting school. “I’m still growing. I’m still learning. But I’m very fortunate for, like, the career that I have right now,” he said.”My daughter looks up to me and that makes me feel great,” Goodon said.Flora Goodon said she’s inspired by her dad. She has started painting and has participated in art shows with her dad, even selling a few pieces when she was just three years old.Jayde (Wizwon) Goodon and his daughter Flora Goodon, in his art studio. (Submitted by Jabez Santiago)Glenn also wants to inspire people to follow their passion for the arts. He said when done with genuine intent, art has incredible power.”The work that I do all by myself in my studio is work that can save the world,” he said. “Whatever you are, whoever you are, however you identify yourself, if you’re true to yourself, it’ll help you definitely, but it will also save the world.”Jadye (Wizwon) Goodon is filmed by a documentary film crew in his Saskatoon tattoo studio. (Submitted by Jabez Santiago)ABOUT THE AUTHORAnna-May Zeviar is the Creator Network producer for CBC Saskatchewan. She also produces the CBC Saskatchewan News at Six, and has a radio column as the Deal Diva. Anna-May has worked at CBC since 2000, starting in Vancouver. She’s worked in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan as a reporter, writer, host, and producer. If you have story ideas or a pitch for the Creator Network, email anna-may.zeviar@cbc.ca.With files from Jabez Santiago
2 Sask. artists reflect on turning their passions into careers
