his week on Next Rung Radio, we dive into the colorful world of Dean Tomasek, a rare creative who’s lived multiple artistic lifetimes. From painting stage sets for Dolly Parton, Alice Cooper, and KISS, to playing bass on tour and designing murals across the country, Dean’s story is one of true resilience, humility, and raw creative fire. Hear how he shifted from supporting roles to owning his artistry, stayed grounded through feast-or-famine seasons, and built a legacy out of saying YES, even when he didn’t know how. Whether you’re torn between passions or looking for clarity in your creative path, this conversation will inspire you to trust your voice, follow your hands, and keep climbing, no matter what the canvas looks like.
Episode Highlights
From bassist to muralist: Dean shares how he carved out careers in both music and visual art.
Created legendary stage designs for Dolly Parton, Grace Potter, Alice Cooper, and even Kiss (including 6-ft muscular cat sculptures!).
Talked about carving giant stage props from Styrofoam with heat wires and rasps, pure grit and invention.
Reveals the power of diversity in creativity and the value of being a “yes man” even when the task seems impossible.
Highlights how working through the pandemic taught him to pivot and adapt using digital sales and commissioned art.
To Learn More About Dean Visit: Dean Tomasek
