Art & Cannabis with Ryan Clemens

By: Justin Beckelman 

This reconnection is special, especially in the cannabis world.  A few years back, I followed Ryan Clemens and the birth of Different Strokes Design.  It was 2015 and I was curious what he was doing at the ribbon cutting of Thrive Cannabis Marketplace in Las Vegas. To go further back, his brother and I were in the same 3rd grade class at an elementary school called Marion B Earl.  What a small world.. I knew that Ryan’s talents and art would someday be seen across the West Coast but I never thought I would see it inside of a cannabis dispensary.  That’s when my attention was focused straight towards him, his vision and dedication towards the cannabis industry.

Justin Beckelman: Ryan my brother, it’s been a long time, over 20 years to be exact, what is new?

Ryan Clemens: JBizzle! Good to hear from you old friend, alot is happening, besides having two beautiful twins last month, my life has been full of diapers, laughter and crying. My wife and I have been busy learning how to be parents and trying our best to provide our children with the healthiest life possible. It certainly has given me motivation to grow and succeed in the cannabis industry. I own a business called Different Strokes Design that specializes in hand painted signs and murals for businesses and store fronts. I also do custom canvas paintings upon request. Much of my work can be found in Downtown Las Vegas and at many notable businesses such as schools, bars, restaurants and dispensaries.

Justin: How did you get into mural and sign work?

Ryan: I started painting signs and murals about 15 years ago when I started a job at Larger Than Life where we did sign work and murals and focused mainly on MME mats, for companies such as the UFC. We painted brand logos on the mats. Prior to working at LTL, I had no experience with painting, but I caught on fast and became one of their best employees, quickly making my way into management after a few years. 

Justin: When did you start Different Strokes Design?

Ryan: I started Different Strokes Designs in the beginning of 2013. I left LTL to pursue my passion in art and try to grow my own business. I still talk to the owner of LTL today and whenever I get a job that may be too much for me to handle on my own, I refer the customer to LTL. 

Justin: How did you get into the cannabis industry?

Ryan: I began working in the cannabis industry when Nevada went medical back in 2015. I worked for Thrive Dispensary as a budtender while the cultivation was being built. I was referred to Thrive who was looking to get their logo painted in the two stores they were opening. During that time I got to know the owner and operators pretty well and told them about my passion for cannabis and how I wanted to get into growing and soon enough they offered me a job at the soon to be cultivation. 

Justin: When were you transferred to the cultivation?

Ryan: I was transferred to the cultivation in December 2015. I started as a Cultivation Associate and advanced much like I did in the dispensary and quickly became Garden Manager. I worked there until December 2018 when I left to take a job with another company.

Justin: When did you start the mural logo art for Thrive Cannabis Marketplace?

Ryan: I started hand painting one of the Thrive murals in January of 2015 and since it was for two locations, I finished both stores shortly after I started. I currently just finished the new Cactus Avenue location on the corner of Valley View Boulevard in September, they are planning their grand opening this month.  It didn’t take long for them to see my passion and work ethic before hiring me to hand paint the dispensary.

Justin: Where are you working now?

Ryan: I am currently the Inventory and Operations Manager for Franklin Bioscience NV. We are a multi level 100% LED cultivation with a production and manufacturing license as well. We were just purchased by Jushi who is a multi-state operator with licensing in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, and Nevada. We are a fast growing company with great potential and even greater plans for this booming industry. We are launching two new brands called The Bank Flower for genetics and The Lab for all of our concentrates and edibles. We expect them to launch in Nevada and in our other four partnering states by the beginning of 2021. 

Justin: What is your favorite cannabis strain?

Ryan: I appreciate all different types of strains. They all have their unique qualities that I enjoy. It’s hard for me to choose just one as a favorite. I like to enjoy an uplifting sativa while I’m out on a hike or enjoying frisbee golf. Other times, a heavy indica at home while relaxing after a long day at work. I mainly look for a nice terpene profile paired with a strong scent when choosing flower to purchase. I always say “the nose knows.”

Justin: Do you still do murals and sign work?

Ryan: I still run DSD in my free time. I’m very blessed to have two jobs that I’m very passionate about. Cannabis and art are two things that have always made sense and I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to be able to do them both legally for a living. This is a very exciting time in cannabis and I believe that it is only going to get better for local artists and entrepreneurs like myself.