We recently connected with J Edward Neill and have shared our conversation below.

J Edward, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Truly, I’m happy as a creative. I’ve been making art for most of my life, but only somewhat recently in a full-time professional capacity. I love it intensely. Now then…
Before I began my full-time artist journey, I worked in the corporate sector. I had a great position, great salary, the works. If I had stayed there, I’d no doubt have been set for life financially speaking.
So naturally, I have several times thought back to those days. Should I have stayed? Could I have balanced art and corporate work long-term?
And the most honest answer I can give is that although I do believe I could have found a balance and obtained both security and a creative outlet, I never could have lived with myself if I’d chosen that path.
Art is what I want, what I need. Splitting time with soulless corporate work would be a compromise I don’t believe I could bear.

J Edward, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a traditional artist who runs his own art business, creating original paintings, art prints, art books, card decks, and more for collectors worldwide. My company is Shadow Art Finds. My passion for this business increases every day, every year. Before my art journey began, I’d come home from my job at 5PM and slump, exhausted, into my chair. But now…now I’m up at the crack of dawn painting, marketing, and shipping…until well after dark. I love it.
I offer uniquely surreal paintings, usually in acrylic. I offer a variety of art prints, both in gallery style and more affordable inkjet papers. I create decks of oracle cards for readers both novice and expert. And I craft album, book, and t-shirt designs for buyers all over the world. I even offer digital images of my work to faraway collectors who might not be able to afford international freight.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Truthfully, my social media journey began more than a decade ago. I was a budding novelist, and I approached Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from the mindset of reaching more readers. I tried every tactic available, studied SEO, paid for ads…in short, I did everything I could to build my audience. Mostly with mediocre results.
It wasn’t until I stopped trying be a salesman and started really trying to connect with my audience on a personal level that I found success. I stopped posting links and started posting images of myself working. I ceased trying to game the system and focused instead on reaching out to individuals.
Then, when art became my primary focus, I found that reaching out with videos and photos of my paintings, no sales talk included, my audience started connecting with me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The highest reward for me in this business is freedom. Sure, I work far more hours than ever before, but I choose when and where. Answering to no one, making one’s own schedule, taking breaks when needed (rather than when obligated) are like precious gems to me. Setting my pace and works when it feels right is a luxury I wish more people could have. I hope to hold onto this freedom forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShadowArtFinds
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jedwardneill998/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShadowArtFinds/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-neill-a4032015/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/jedwardneill
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5xkrHFHIikoaQ4uc1ZFvxw
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jedwardneill?lang=en

Image Credits
All photos by J Edward Neill