A self-taught artist, Sage Barnes has only learned to create from his own ideas, which is exactly what sets him apart. He has found a unique combination of abstract, realistic, and street art techniques, which are often kept separate. Many of his works feature a very realistic bodice, with an explosion of colors in place of ahead, painted against a graffiti-like wall. His Instagram bio reads “college dropout,” potentially as a way to share with people that there is no clear cut path to success. He also uses his Instagram as a form of connection with his followers. Rather than just posting an artwork with its title, he will add a meaningful quote or share the story behind a work.