Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alisha Turner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alisha, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I think being a creative with an entrepreneurial mindset is such a door-opener.

It can be difficult and extremely competitive when you’re entering into any artistic industry, and figuring out how to create a stabilized business from your talent can be even more challenging. Sometimes you discover the right opportunity for you by discerning the wrong opportunities for you, and that takes some confidence and courage.

I remember standing at my Senior Show with a table full of my work, my portfolio front and center, and my nerves going haywire. I didn’t have much confidence at that point in time and I didn’t have high expectations for the Show either.

To my surprise, a man walked up to my table and starting asking me questions. He had my business card in hand and had glimpsed at my portfolio but didn’t bother going through it (I assumed that was a bad sign).

That same man asked me how I made my business cards and portfolio cover. After explaining that I had painted an abstract piece using alcohol ink and then incorporated it onto my business cards as well as the inside the cutout of my portfolio cover, he seemed to light up.

After a few more questions he told me my business card was the only one he was taking from the Senior Show which was absolutely mind boggling because my professors constantly scored me low during our Reviews.

I found out that man was the Owner of a Graphic Design Company in town that I drove past every day commuting to school. He casually told me to give them a call and let them know I spoke with him, the Owner. Looking back now it’s embarrassing how shook I was – I could barely utter, “thank you” in my shaky little voice.

My family and I were so excited, but after thinking about it… Working in an office environment for a Design Company just wasn’t for me. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I knew deep down it wasn’t what the entrepreneur in me wanted.

So I continued doing work as an Independent Contractor and Freelancer fulfilling small jobs from logo design to painting to tattoo designs. I illustrated and authored my own children’s book series and did some Network Marketing on the side. Then one of my clients offered me a part-time Independent Contractor role for his company, paying me a huge hourly rate and giving me the freedom to work remotely with flexibility.

After over a year with Grow Dialogue I also became a Fine Line Tattoo Artist. I had been designing tattoo designs since High School so why not take it a step further and learn a new skillset in a growing market? And that’s where my full-time living really kicked in.

It’s been just over a year now and I’m booked out for 2-months in advance, my Veteran husband is able to stay home with the kiddos now, I have so many amazing return clients, and I’m to the point where I’m about to open up training for aspiring Fine Line Artists too.

It’s been a whirl-wind and I’m just so glad to be here sharing this with you all. That’s why if you ask me it’s not just about finding the right opportunity. It’s about being able to ask yourself what you really want and being brave enough to say No vs. settle for less than your full-potential.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Alisha and I’m the Owner & Tattooist of Ink By Lish in Columbus, Ohio. I’m also an Educator, Author & Illustrator of a Children’s Book series, and a Graphic Designer for an inclusive + activist apparel line.

That sounds like a lot but I’m really just an average person with a lot of ambition. I’m not just a creative entrepreneur… I’m a mother of three under the age of five, wife to an Army Veteran, a food lover, an anime nerd, and someone who struggles quite a bit with PTSD.

I wanted to share all of that because when it comes down to it what I’m most proud of is how I’ve stayed true to myself. I try not to settle and to not make sure I’m maintaining a good work-life balance because I think life, health, happiness, family… Those are really the things that mean the most.

As corny as that sounds *chuckle*

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In college I had a professor who told me that I needed to do something else because I didn’t have what it takes. I had another professor who targeted me in the middle of class for an entire 20-minutes just completely dismantling my work. And every time we had a class Review with a panel of professors I had among the lowest scores of the class.

I remember ranting to my mother about it, all upset and discouraged, but I didn’t think of quitting. It just fueled me to keep going and prove them wrong.

So I did — I passed all of my classes, I secured my Bachelor’s Degree, and I’ve done a lot in the creative industry.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think the biggest thing is just raising awareness that creativity is part of an artist’s identity, their story, their hopes and dreams. It’s a huge part of who we are as a person. While art is subjective and critiques are part of the package deal, they can feel like a personal attack. So just being aware of that can really make a positive impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inkbylish.com
• Instagram: @inkbylish

Image Credits
Ink By Lish