Gilead has been a freelance artist since 1992. He has had a varied career, painting thousands of promotional and seasonal signs and point of sale displays, hundreds of illustrations for role-playing games, and dozens of murals.

"I have been drawing as long as I can remember, but was always told that art was not a 'real job'. So after high school I went to work in the local factory, where I eventually became a manager."

This was followed by a year and a half as a retail manager before finally breaking free and embracing art as a career.

Gilead's background in production lends itself to his art. There can be no "waiting for the muse" here, not with deadlines approaching. Gilead views his art as his job and takes it seriously. "If the muse doesn't come to me, I'll go out and find it!"

His familiarity with the retail environment has been a valuable asset in understanding the needs of his clients, making his signs and displays some of the most effective in the field.