Art was the thing I loved to do growing up and in high school. But when I graduated college, I didn’t know how to make money from being creative. I felt like my creativity didn’t matter, so I stopped painting for more than ten years.
I went to work as an editorial assistant at a newspaper, occasionally writing a music review or gallery feature, but mostly I was opening the editors’ mail and answering emails. I was miserable and thought maybe if I was in the arts department I’d be happy. So I started coming into work two hours early each morning to intern as a graphic designer… and I hated that too.
It took many different jobs as a photographer, gallery assistant, 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.
But I had no idea how to make that leap.
Then in 2009 I lost my job. To heal my spirit, I started painting again.
As friends stopped by and saw my work, they encouraged me to have a local show. I asked at the library and in a few months hung my paintings and hosted an opening. It was mostly friends and family, but little by little people I didn’t know began complimenting and buying my work too.
I was painting at our kitchen table – with all of my art supplies in a crazy mess. I began reaching out to other artists and makers, mostly online, and eventually I gained the confidence to show in galleries and sell my prints and cards. Then in 2011, I submitted my artwork to a magazine and ended up launching my first online class, How To Paint An Owl.
Now my business has supported me for over ten years, and in my third year I reached the celebrated six figures a year.
Along the way, I’ve focused on what I enjoy doing most, which has led to thousands of collectors, customers and students around the world, press in publications like Glamour Magazine, Somerset Studio and Oprah.com, being published in multiple books, having five books of my own on Amazon, launching eighteen online classes, opportunities to teach in-person and sales of originals, prints, cards, calendars, books and more in galleries and shops around the world.
Most importantly, I’ve built a lifestyle I love that allows me the freedom to travel, paint, write and share my passions with you! Selling my artwork and sharing it with you for a living is something I never thought possible. I wish for you to live your dreams too.
I’ve been getting so many questions about how to find ways to sell and share your own artwork, so I’ve put together my online workshop Business For Creatives, where you’ll learn how I’ve grown and currently run my creative business and life as a full-time artist.
Click HERE for details on my Business For Creatives online class.
xo Juliette