Starting my Dream as an Artist
I want to start off the blog by sharing more about myself and how I got to where I am today.
So, let’s start at the beginning.
I always knew I’d be an artist.
When I was little, it was something I had accepted by the age of 5. I dreamed of nothing else. I scribbled in crayon to my little heart’s desire and imagined myself all grown up as an artist. As I grew into my adolescence I continued on my path drawing, painting, and working towards that same constant dream. Art was my whole life, and it made me happy.
And then college arrived. I had big dreams of moving to the other side of the country and going to the Academy of Art in San Francisco. But I didn’t have great SAT scores, and I didn’t qualify for financial support despite my family’s lower income. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to college, let alone a large, expensive art school in California. It just wasn’t going to happen. Staying home and earning my BA at my local state college was much more affordable. A fine arts degree wasn’t available, but Graphic Design—which was a subject I had no clue about—was. So, I went to Indian River State College and studied Graphic Design.
Throughout my college years, I was largely unhappy. Graphic design was an interesting subject, but I still felt unfulfilled. Art was always on my mind. But at the same time, I was haunted by the thought of becoming the stereotypical starving artist living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to find work that would pay the bills. I justified my doubts and insecurities with the idea I could support myself with a “real job” in Graphic Design. I put my dreams on the shelf for a second time and pursued a career in graphic design that I would continue for over seven years.
In that time, I had earned my degree and moved on. I moved to Orlando and found a “real job” that would pay the bills. I kept busy. My dreams of becoming an artist had faded away.
Until my 30th birthday.
That morning, I reflected on my life so far and realized that I wasn’t living the life I’d always dreamed of. This wasn’t who I’m supposed to be. I felt ashamed and disappointed, but above all else I felt sad. I could no longer live in fear and doubt. I needed to start prioritizing my happiness: Art.
It wasn’t until after my birthday that I started placing things in motion to become a working artist. I bought a domain and started a website. I painted every day after my full-time job. Weekends were spent creating as much art as I could. I was regaining my happiness and passion once again.
I finally created enough pieces to showcase on my online store. And now I’m here, right where I need to be: in my home office with my desk full of paintbrushes, paints, and paper to cover every surface. I even have a photo of my younger self hanging above me to remind me to always hold on to that same dream. And I’m so incredibly happy.
I will always be grateful that I learned new skills as a graphic designer. I know life is meant to have its obstacles. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t gone through all those years of searching and learning. But I’m ready to accept who I am: an artist.
