I’ve been working with my 1-1 coaching clients these last few weeks, and many have asked about how I started as a full-time artist, so I thought I’d share a bit about my journey and how creativity has been healing (and calming) for me.

If you’ve been following my creative journey for a while, you know that I quit doing art after college.

As I mentioned in my interview on The Creative Genius Podcast, I never thought it’d be possible to be a full-time artist, so I stopped painting.

All of my early artwork ended up in the basement or trash, so I thought, “What good is it to paint?” I never thought anyone would want to see my work.

I went to college to study biology, but I couldn’t stay away from the art room. I couldn’t help myself from painting on everything and anything. I found a huge sheet of paper and taped it above my bed and whenever I could, I’d work on that drawing. When it was done, I started in on a white cabinet. I drew colorful abstract scenes with colored pencils, crayons and markers. I’m sure that giant drawing and cabinet got thrown in the garbage as soon as I moved. But I learned I couldn’t not be an artist.

When I graduated, I went to work as an arts journalist, writing about the arts for newspapers and magazines. It took many different jobs as a journalist, photographer, graphic designer, floral designer, website developer and more before I finally realized the only thing I could put my heart into was being a full-time artist.

Then in the summer of 2008 I lost my job. It was the first job I ever really loved (as a landscaper). I took time to renew my spirit and started painting again.

To heal my spirit, I went back to what I adored most as a child – painting in my backyard. My sister-in-law gifted me with a few fabulous vintage wallpaper books, and I fell in love with the colors and patterns. I knew I had to do something with that gorgeous paper.

And that’s what started all of my whimsical paintings.

I’d opened an online shop because I’d had the dream of selling my art. Yet I didn’t feel brave enough to share my paintings with the world. For months, I listed feather hair clips and beaded earrings that I’d made. I was way too freaked out to show my paintings.

I didn’t think anyone would want to see my art, let alone buy it.

But when friends stopped by, they said they liked my work. I finally got up the courage to ask at our local library and exhibited my art the next month. I invited family, friends and friends of friends to a little opening.

That’s how I sold my first two originals to people I didn’t know. The library also purchased a piece for their permanent collection. And a few people asked for prints and cards, so I started selling those too.

Little by little, it all gave me the confidence to take another step and share more.

I’m taking on new 1-1 coaching clients right now – click here to learn more about my VIP 1-1 Coaching and Mentoring Program.

If you have any questions about whether 1-1 coaching or a private painting session might be right for you, just email me here.

Happy painting!

xo Juliette