Ask an Artist: Interview with Painter Megan Carty

So happy I got connected with our guest today, because her work is gorgeous and she's just as fantastic! Here she brings you real world artist advice from her creative space in Massachusetts.

RWC: What is your current position/job title? 

MC: Fine Artist/Painter of COLOR! (And full-time Mom of 3 little kiddos.)

RWC: Love that! How long have you been in that role? And what did you do before?

MC: I’ve been focused on painting as my business for 10 months now (despite it being a hobby for over 26 years). Before this, I was a graphic designer in the retail field creating store signage, packaging, and other print materials. For a short while I saw success as a wedding invitation and stationery designer and even did my own letterpress printing. Once I had children I had to simplify!

RWC: Where do you live?

MC: I live in the cozy countryside of Pepperell, Massachusetts!

RWC: What gets you excited about what you do?

MC: I love to express my vision in color. I try to make what I would want on my own wall and I try my hardest to spread happiness or soothing comfort through my paintings. It’s exciting to serve others in this way, and know that I’m contributing to the world in my own small way.

RWC: Right, we're always our own first client! Did you go to school for an art degree? If so where?

 MC: I got a BFA in Advertising Design from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts: School of Art and Design in the year 2000. Almost all of my courses were art or design focused. I gravitated to any elective that involved drawing or painting!

RWC: Did you find it easy to transition from school to the “real world”? 

MC: At first I found it easy. But I quickly learned that what I was passionate about or believed to be true were not necessarily what the paying clients were interested in. I spent a great deal of time creating things for others- much like a robot. I felt creatively dry and derailed. It was a humbling time as I learned to focus on learning about business and the realities of being a designer.

RWC: How long did it take you to find your niche/soul purpose/medium of choice?

MC: It was about 15 years after graduation when I decided to stop feeling fearful of following my ultimate dream of being a full-time painter. I’d always wanted to be an artist but had a misguided belief that it would be impossible and unrealistic. I’ve learned a lot about positive mindset in my years and I can make anything I want come to fruition if I plan for it and put goals around it. With the internet, I am able to reach a global audience in need of art! There’s no excuse!

RWC: So true. Mindset is so key to success. How much did you charge for your first client/commission?

MC: My first big painting commission was $900. The client had a specific size and color scheme in mind and I created an abstract piece based on her vision. She was happy, I was happy and it was an overall win!

RWC: Did you ever do work for free, and do you think it's necessary? 

MC: Never do work for free! First of all, it is unethical. For people to value the arts, they must respect the time, education, sweat and expertise that goes into the final product. When you give it away for free, it ruins this understanding. Also, working for free (or for very little) undermines all the other artists of the world trying to make a good living. We aren’t just supposed to SURVIVE, we are supposed to THRIVE. We must always value our time, our talents, our education, and our expertise. Besides, when the plumber comes over to fix my pipes, I don’t expect him to do it for free. Nor do I ask! And I certainly wouldn’t walk into a restaurant and demand my meal be the priciest on the menu and I expect it to be FREE. Bottom line: Don’t devalue your business!

RWC: Do you have advice for art students? 

MC: My advice for art students is to really explore deep down what it is you most would love to be creating in an ideal world. Remove the fear or doubt. Take that answer and run with it. Find experts in that field and see how they’ve built success for themselves. Really take time to learn from the ground up. And stand firm in your belief that YOU can do it too. There is enough success to go around and there is something for EVERYONE.

RWC: YES! I love to say there is room for every artist to be successful. What resources were/are helpful to you as a creative? 

MC: I’m obsessed with podcasts. They are free and I learn a lot about marketing and business from them. I also love online classes at places like CreativeLive. I’m always learning new things and am so grateful that I can!

RWC: Huge CreativeLive fan. How do you define and acknowledge your success? 

MC: Success, for me, is about having the freedom in my day to do what I most like to do. Sometimes I want to spend extra time with my family. Other times, I want to paint all day. I try to set my goals so that I have this freedom and still accomplish all I need. I also see success as making a good income from my art; it is a business and I want it to thrive and bring in an abundance of wealth! I’m not ashamed to put that out there because it is true and we all deserve to prosper! Each little thing that goes well in my business is cause for a mini celebration and I make sure to give thanks for any good press or kudos that come my way. You have to celebrate every little win and keep it fun!

RWC: What do you wish you’d learned sooner about living a creative and happy life?

MC: I wish I’d just gone for it sooner! I was so filled with self-doubt and fear. As I’ve gotten older, I’m less concerned with what others think…this has played a role in my newfound bravery to just throw my hat in the ring. Life is too short to sit around wondering what could have been. Over time, you start to see other artists having maddening amounts of success and you think “Well, if THEY can do it, why can’t I?” Don’t wait for everything to be perfect, just show up and share your gifts. That’s why you have them!

RWC: If there’s one or two things you think are necessary to spend money on to help/achieve a successful creative path what are they? 

MC: I would spend money on classes on marketing/public relations…there are lots of online courses where you can learn at your own pace so you can be prepared to run your own art business. Never be afraid to spend money on bettering yourself for your career. It all comes back to you in the value of your art. Don’t be cheap with yourself or that’s all you’ll get back!

RWC: Do you have coaches/mentors that you look to as well? And would you recommend others to do so?

 MC: I currently am working with a business coach and am thrilled with the results! It is helpful for someone else who is objective to look at my business and show me where I could be more brave, or to ask me the big questions that help get me “unstuck.” I now realize I can go after anything I want if I simply believe I can and make a plan for it. I highly recommend using a coach! I’ve had so many “a-ha” moments since I’ve started and it’s been invaluable!

RWC: How often do you set and/or reassess goals- both personal and business wise? 

MC: I set goals each week and these support the goals I have for each month…for each quarter…and for the year. I reassess at the end of each month to see what progress I’m making, what is working versus what is not, and to figure out what my next goals need to be. I love this because I feel like I always know what general direction I’m going. My goals are like my North Star.

RWC: Can you tell us about any challenges of having an art business? 

MC: The challenges are being your own boss and holding yourself accountable to reach your goals and maintain momentum. Selling art is not for the meek! It is a long-game—a marathon— and you have to have the passion and patience to lay down a good business foundation brick-by-brick. It takes a lot of tenacity and faith.

RWC: Wise words. What is the best thing about being a creative professional? 

MC: I love having the freedom to make my own schedule! I also love knowing my work is making someone else’s day a bit brighter. I get to do what brings my heart and soul such deep joy and share it with others. I also like that I am in control of my own success.

RWC: Any other tips, tricks, or words of advice you'd like to share? 

MC: You’ve gotta believe in what you do. Stand behind it, own it, and nurture it. Nobody else is going to do that for you. If you are unsure of your purpose with your work, then take serious time to ask why you make what you do? Why do you want to be an artist? What is special about what you do? This gives you the foundation for your mission and is the foundation for everything you will build. Without a “why” then you have no idea who you are serving with your work and you won’t know who you are marketing to. Really explore what it is you love to create and figure out the “why” and you won’t go wrong! 

Thank you so much for your insight Megan!! To check out her work and purchase some paintings to make you & your walls happy head to her website: www.megancartyart.com

If you are a thriving visual artist and want to help others by sharing your path to creative success- reach out! We'd love to have you. 

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya

How & Why You Should Network in College

I've had some discussions lately about networking and thought I'd share insights for those of you questioning how & why you can start networking while in school.

Myth: You have to have a job/business/biz cards to network.

Fact: The point of networking is to make connections & relationships, not just to tell people about your work. If you're looking for a job networking in different groups (can be in person&online) is a great way to get leads. If you don't have a business or job and you're trying to figure out what you want to do networking can also benefit you as you can meet a range of people and connect with those in your industry of choice to ask questions! Also, if you don't have business cards it's cool, just make sure to get the other person's and then FOLLOW UP! (Template for follow up emails here.)

Myth: People are going to judge you for being a student. 

Fact: Most decent humans out there will be happy to give you advice, and will be impressed you're taking the initiative to join professional groups while in school. Age does not determine your capacity to have engaging interactions. Be pleasant, ask questions and don't be shy about saying you're a student and working to figure out what path you may want to take after school. 

Myth: Every adult is comfortable networking.

Fact: Almost no one is naturally comfortable or even enthused about traditional networking events! It's hard to go out on a Wednesday night and meet strangers no matter what your age is. It's about making it a habit and committing to attend and getting something out of it. So don't worry about feeling awkward and walking up to a stranger to chat- everyone feels awkward! 

Myth: If I am not a professional I will have nothing to talk about.

Fact: Professionals aren't unemotional robots, they have lives and feelings too! Don't feel like you only have to talk business. One of my favorite things to ask to break the ice is "Do you have any travel plans coming up?" This gets people comfortable and excited to talk about their vacation or next trip. Asking some more personal questions like this will give you an easier time when you realize you can just have a conversation. 

So yes, start networking in college. It may take a while to find the groups that you enjoy but they're out there! These days there are so many choices for HOW you can interact and create connections, so don't assume it's just guys in suits at happy hour that are able to network. Check out MeetUp.com for endless groups, and search Facebook for online communities of every breed that will support your career interests.

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya

P.s. If you want to get event photography experience volunteer to shoot networking events-you get free entry, a chance to mingle & build a portfolio!  

Ask an Artist: Interview with Photographer Kate Lemmon

Woot woot! This is our first interview in a series I'm calling "Ask an Artist". I got to meet Kate in person (we both live in Boston) and she's such a talented, delightful person. So excited for you guys to meet her and hear some real world advice!

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RWC: What’s your creative title? And how long have you been in this role?

KL: Owner/Photographer at Kate Lemmon Photography. I officially opened business in 2008 while in high school, but I’ve been full time since 2014.

RWC: What’s your art education background?

KL: I studied 6 years of conservatory (to be a classical flutist) and then went right into doing photography full time. I'm a mostly self-taught photographer though. I went to a communications magnet high school and my senior year I took a mentorship with a photographer. I actually had to reach out 3 times before she answered but she agreed to meet with me on a weekly basis. And she showed me how to set things up legally, and how to organize and really got me thinking about marketing and getting clients. It was such a huge gift to have her insight.

RWC: What makes you excited about your work?

KL: I love helping people see what’s beautiful in their lives. As a portrait photographer my goal is to bring out the best side of people in every session. For engagement sessions having people see what their love actually looks like is really special.  That's why I first got into photography- the idea of creating family history. I love that my work has meaning in people’s lives, and will for generations to come.

RWC: How did you decide what you wanted to do?

KL: When there’s so many people telling you what path they think you should be on it can be really hard to figure out what YOU want. A lot of people wanted me to be a classical musician and it took a lot of courage to say no, that’s not actually what I want. But I’m so grateful that I did!

RWC: What's the best part of working in a creative field? 

KL: My favorite part of this job is that I get to set my own lifestyle. I can set my agenda on a day-to-day basis and have days that vary. If I’m really excited about a project I can just focus on that. Some people think paying self-employment tax is outrageous, but I look at it like I pay to have the lifestyle that I want and it’s the best.

RWC: How do you keep your creative juices flowing? 

KL: This past year I did 140 shoots, so I’m constantly behind my camera, and I can see that I improve with each shoot. I make little tweaks and learn along the way. It’s great to do a year in review, and I can see all the work I’ve done and people I’ve met, which makes me happy. Sometimes we forget that we did really awesome stuff because we’re so busy!  

RWC: How much did you charge for your first client?

KL: Great question! In high school I started doing class photos for my friends and I charged $50/shoot.

RWC: What are your thoughts on doing work for free?

KL: Something that I learned from my mentor was to never charge $0. So because of that from the start people respected what I was doing. A couple times of year I donate time for a session and it’s given through school auctions. I’ve found that people who are actual friends want to pay me, and support what I’m doing. And people who kept asking for discounts are not real friends, and don’t respect my business.

The key is if you’re going to do something for free make sure that it’s for someone who you’d want to work for in the future and that it makes sense for your own marketing purposes.

RWC: What are the challenges of owning an art business?

KL: The biggest challenge for me is setting boundaries. Going home and trying to turn off work was tough, so I now actually leave my computer at the office so I can go home and have family time. When you’re an entrepreneur your to-do list is never ending so you have to find a balance that works for you.

RWC: Any advice for students?

KL: Get your financial act together as soon as possible! Even the most enjoyable art won’t be enjoyable at all if you’re struggling to make a living. If you can’t pay your bills then you won’t have time to make your art in the first place. The more quickly you can eliminate the stress financially, the more you’re going to enjoy creating and working. Having a financial buffer in place was the best thing I did my first year full time, so that if anything came up or I got sick I wouldn’t be stressed.

RWC: What resources have been beneficial for you?

The book I Will Teach You to Be Rich- by Ramit Sethi. I love that book so much I bought copies for my friends! After reading it I put together my whole financial plan. Also YouNeedaBudget.com - is a software and methodology to personal finance and budgeting. You can sign up and they have a ton of educational resources, and I use it on a weekly basis.

Finding a community of people that do what you do is also so important. Online communities are great, because even if you can’t meet in person you can log-in whenever and get support. I talk to photographers in online forums on a daily basis, and we support and help each other.  The key thing is you’re not alone in doing what you’re doing! 

RWC: What about equipment? What's a good place to start for photographers?

KL: Don’t spend too much money on equipment before you understand composition and lighting. I’m grateful I didn’t have top of the line equipment when I started because shooting with a mid-level camera forced me to find and work with the light more because my camera would just not shoot well in low light! 

RWC: How do you set goals?

KL: It’s really interesting what you realize about your business when you take 20 mins to seriously think about it! This year I wrote down all my small and large goals and next week I’m going to put my goals into my calendar so that by the end of the year everything is done. I put everything down and schedule it out day by day, week by week and sometimes minute by minute for the crazy days!

RWC: How do you define & acknowledge your success?

KL: Success for me is making my clients happy because nothing makes me more fulfilled than hearing I’ve made a difference for them. Success is knowing I get to do what I love on a daily basis. I’m a huge fan of setting goals and checking them off so if all my boxes are checked off at the end of the day I’m happy!

RWC: What do you wish you’d learned sooner about living a creative & happy life?

KL: A friend of mine shared an article that totally shaped the way I view being a creative person. I used to feel a lot of pressure to be happy all the time, and it’s stupid because everyone has their ups and downs and you know that, but you feel like you should always be striving to be happy. But the article talked about how creative people have higher ups and lower downs than most people which is normal and that’s why you’re creative- you’re able to experience all facets of life and feel in a wider range of emotions. Seeing that I fit all those qualities they talked about took the pressure off for trying to feel happy all the time, and makes it easier to deal with when I do have a down day.

RWC: Any other words of advice for creative pros?

KL: There’s never going to be a day when everything is done, so just knowing and being comfortable with the idea that as creatives we’re constantly going to be striving to do better and move forward, is helpful.  

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Thank you so much, Kate!!

To see her beautiful work click here.

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya

The #Hustle is Real, the #Struggle is Not.

Hey friends. This idea right here- the hustle is real, the struggle is not- finally got through my head this year. I know it's a popular phrase (#thestruggleisreal) and you might be like uh yeah it is real, Sonya! Let's just look at it in relation to our creative work though, because we all know the struggle to not eat pizza every day is real. (Where my pizza lovers at?!) 

But here's the thing. Hustle is NOT the same as STRUGGLE. Oh...ok that makes sense because entrepreneurs and artists who are really hustling are busy doing AND making money, and people who are busy and NOT making money are just struggling. 

So how do you know if you're hustling in a positive, forward direction? You will be busy, you might even be a bit overwhelmed with your to-do list. But! You're working with people you want to work with, you're doing projects that get your brain and heart pumping, and you're working in areas that, while possibly challenging, are in your area of genius where you can SHINE. Are you tired, even stressed? Sure, it happens. But you're grateful for the work and so happy to be exhausted doing what you've chosen. 

4 Ways to Ensure You're Hustling Not Struggling:

• Define your financial goals- monthly & yearly so you know exactly what you're working for and know how to price yourself accordingly. Nothing worse than being busy, exhausted and broke.
• Are you doing work you're proud of and can stand behind? (I have definitely taken on photo projects I didn't really care about or believe in just to get the $ and it usually was not worth it!) Don't be scared to reach for, ask for and wait for the RIGHT projects. (But don't make the mistake of ONLY waiting!)
• Are you doing self improvement along the way? If you're crazy busy but you're ignoring your health & spirit then you're not creating positive, sustainable momentum. (Even just a few times a day to say am I breathing? Drinking water? And take a stretch!)
• Are you thinking about the big picture and strategically making everyday decisions based on moving toward that? It's SO easy to get bogged down in the tasks of our normal lives and get caught just winging it day-to-day. But you should have a big, dreamy vision that you're always keeping in mind even when taking small steps. 

So, tell me creative ones are you hustling or struggling? 

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya