We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Traci Wright Martin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Traci below.

Traci, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

It’s important as a creative to put your work out there. For awhile, I kept working hard on the artwork and not trying for exhibitions that I wanted to participate in, because I thought the work wasn’t ready. One day I decided to not overthink it and just entered a show I had my eye on. I got in, and it was my first time to show in a gallery in New York City. Not only did I get in to the juried show, I also had the privilege of earning a third place award. I’m proud of my desire to work hard on my art, but I realized that I can also overthink and hinder my opportunities in that state and it can keep me from moving forward. Taking risks and putting ourselves out there can be really rewarding.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My work is primarily in contemporary realism, through portraits and figurative work. I am a mixed media artist, and most of my work is anchored in charcoal at the center. The majority of my work is created for gallery and museum shows, both internationally and throughout the US where it is seen by audiences and potential collectors. I also specialize in commissioned portraits for my clients and work with interior designers to create custom work for their clients as well.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Something I have noticed recently with some great opportunities that have unfolded for me is the perspective and the feedback from the audience. While I continue to share good news and updates within a framework of sincere gratitude and appreciation, what others seem to say repeatedly is how lucky I am. What other artists might see in those sentiments, especially through that specific phrasing, is that good things just all of a sudden happened. I want other people, especially for the sake of fellow artists, to know that it takes a lot of determination to keep trying doors until one opens. While we are working on our art and trying to be better, we are also putting ourselves out there constantly and networking and hoping for an opportunity for our work. I’m always grateful for someone speaking up and celebrating a great moment in my career with me, but I want anyone that sees that celebration and feels frustrated to know that I see them wherever they are at. I want them to feel encouraged and to know that their hard work will lead to the right opportunities for them at just the right time.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I can think of many times where I had to pivot, especially in the path of my creative professional direction. There was a time when I was teaching a lot, and it was really taking away from my time to produce as an artist. I loved sharing the process and connecting with students, and it was a great way to establish a steady income. I reached a point when I had to reevaluate and had to eventually back away and take a break when I realized that I wasn’t making the work I wanted to make.

Another time recently was a decision to leave an art studio space that wasn’t serving my needs anymore. I loved the relationships with the artists that I had gained from working there, but my individual resources weren’t being used in a way that was serving my long-term goals and plans. My attention was being pulled in a direction that took away from my chance to grow.

I think in both of these examples, it proved the importance to stop and take inventory with how I’m feeling and where I am at as a creative. I really recommend making a list of your priorities and plans (both big and small) and check in often with yourself to see if the path you are on is helping you move towards those goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.traciwrightmartin.com
• Instagram: @traciwrightmartin
• Facebook: @traci.w.martin

Image Credits
studio photo by Will Crooks