For years, I stopped painting. Art was the thing I loved to do growing up and in high school, but I didn’t know how to make money from being creative. All of my early work ended up in the basement or trash. I felt like my creativity didn’t matter.
I went to college to study biology, but I couldn’t stay away from the art room. 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, 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. Still, having all of those jobs – which seemed like mistakes and hurdles at the time – helped me learn how to grow and run my creative business.
But at the time I’d 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. I began selling my artwork, prints and cards to friends and family. I started a facebook page, twitter account and blog. I felt like there was no way anyone I didn’t know would ever purchase my paintings. I began reaching out to other artists and makers and in 2011 I submitted my artwork to a magazine and launched my first online class, How To Paint An Owl.
Now I’ve been a successful, full-time artist for over fourteen years and in my third year I reached the celebrated six figures a year.
I’ve built my creative career around following my heart and focusing 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 passion with you. This is something I never thought possible and I wish for you to live your dreams too.
With love + gratitude,
xo Juliette