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

Carrie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always been making things- for as long as I can remember. I know it sounds weird to non-artists (artists will get it), but it is an innate part of me, I’ve always been this way from the time I was old enough to hold up a crayon. Some of my earliest memories are coloring and drawing. I was very much a black sheep, none of my family had this same attraction to creating and art as I did. I didn’t realize I could try to make a career in the fine arts until an arts college came and talked to my Art Society in high school. I was totally blown away. The idea I could just study art and not focus on math or science classes was exhilarating. In the years following, I got a taste of what going to college for art would be like through my state’s Governor’s School, which is a program where high school students take summer classes on a college campus- and I was hooked. I’ve changed my career focus within the arts quite a lot, I started in fine art, changed my major to graphic design, taught middle school art for a few years, and now I work in a fine arts museum, all while selling my own work on the side too. I blame graduating in a pandemic for my unorthodox career path so far. But truthfully, since I realized having a career in the arts was an option, I knew I had no other option.

Carrie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am the sole operator and creator of a small arts business called Foolish Designs that is currently based out of Richmond, Va, but started in Knoxville, TN in 2020. I graduated in May of 2020, with a BFA in graphic design from the University of Tennessee. I began selling my artwork more commercially in 2020, first online and then eventually at craft fairs when they began to open back up. I actually started making things from home during the pandemic because I got fixated on the idea of making house shaped incense holders. This brought me back into the world of fine art and I began making ceramics from my childhood bedroom- honestly it was the sole reason I didn’t lose my mind that year. Art has always been a form of meditation for me and I found solace in it in such a “unprecedented” time.

As an artist, I am incredibly interdisciplinary and my work ranges from ceramic home-goods or accessories, to the occasional freelance graphic design project, to screen printed tees and totes, and lately I’ve been trying out a new medium- Risograph printing- which I’ve found to be a great cross-over of my graphic design work and my fine arts work.

I’m proud of many of my projects, but the one that always stands out- and unfortunately is no longer for sale. I illustrated a 78 card tarot deck, which I called “The Foolish Tarot.” This was a huge project for me and a huge undertaking and it often felt like I’d never finish all 78 cards. That name later transformed into my overall brand, but this was my first real product sold. I love the idea that people are using my tarot deck for guidance in their daily lives. It feels like really special connection to my customers.

I started making work that made me happy and that I wanted to see in the world. I believe that there is something truly special about owning products that are made by a human with human touches, and that bring joy and connection to everyday moments. My love for art is reflected in every product I make, and I hope that my love and positive energy is infused in my work and is passed on to those who use and enjoy my creations.

I called my brand Foolish because I felt a bit foolish starting it, foolish at running a business, and my work tends to be pretty whimsical and quite- well foolish. It’s definitely a bit tongue-in-cheek. I like when things aren’t absolutely perfect and it’s clear they were made by an individual and not a mass-producing machine. I make products that I would want to have in my own home, and always try to price them as accessibly as possible. I feel like everyone should get to experience having special and hand-crafted, unique pieces that speak to them. My biggest accomplishment is when kids walk past my booth at an art market and their eyes light up- that’s always a good sign that I’m making things the way I always wanted to.

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

I feel like my entire adulthood has been about pivoting. My resumé definitely shows how much I’ve had to pivot in my career as an artist right from the jump. I worked at a local arts shop, was a screen printing technician, had a few design internships (unpaid I might add), taught art for two years in a public middle school, and now have been working at a fine arts museum. The only thread connecting all these jobs is art.

I have a BFA in graphic design, but graduating in the height of the pandemic- the job market was shot. I was in a class that interviewed professional creatives about what they looked for in new hires, while we created our resumes and portfolios, and the discussion quickly went from “the world is your oyster!” to “don’t even bother reaching out, it’s not worth it, no one’s hiring.” Which was a huge wrench in my plans. In my smaller town the few places that employed graphic designers furloughed their whole company for the time being. Like for so many of us, 2020 was a disruptive year, I was dumped (or to put it more politely) I “got out” of a long term relationship, couldn’t find a job using my degree, and ended up moving back in with my parents- honestly more for the socialization than anything. But the one thing I really did get out of this time was starting Foolish Designs. It’s wild to think that a global pandemic was a catalyst for starting to sell my own art, but I’m not sure I would’ve made that leap if things didn’t already seem so chaotic. Why not start a business in a pandemic? What’s the worst that could happen? Three years might seem like a short time for me to be selling my wares, but I never imagined doing this in the first place. I’m so proud it has continued as long as it has and I can’t wait to see where Foolish Designs continues to grow and how my career continues to pivot, again, and again.

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

I am incredibly passionate about supporting local artists. I think that attending events hosted by local artists, like gallery shows or markets is the first step. I do my best to share and not gatekeep the small artists I love and repurchase from again and again. For the everyday person shopping small, especially around the holidays, is a huge help. December is easily the busiest month for small makers, and they labor over their goods for that time- often not even enjoying the holidays themselves. Shop small! Buy local artisans goods and gift them to your family. Utilize sites like Etsy and Faire to buy cool and unique presents. Now thanks to social media, finding artists is easier than ever- you can shop from a small artist across the country you never would have heard of otherwise. The cheesy saying “Amazon won’t get excited about your purchase, but a small business will” always rings true.

When I began selling my art, I was working at a wonderful local arts store in Knoxville, TN called RALA (standing for regional and local artisans). This connection to all of Knoxville’s fine artists was invaluable to me. I was lucky that I began my arts business in a wonderful arts community, full of other makers that welcomed me with open arms, shared their resources, recommended markets to me, and gave me helpful tips without a second thought. (Shoutout to 865 Candle Company, RALA, and Blanketfort Studio). As artists, information has to be open and shared, we cannot gatekeep all of our “trade secrets.” I had so many fellow artists sharing and buying my work, that definitely helped me have the confidence to keep going. In my experience, I’ve met very few withholding and stand-offish artists- generally arts communities have been incredibly welcoming and excited to see fresh faces- they don’t see other people as competition, but make more room for more thriving artists. I think this is a testament to the local creative communities I’ve witnessed, as some of the best people around. If you support local artists the community will only continue to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopFoolish?ref=shop_sugg_market
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolish.designs/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-garrison-3b60251a4/
• Other: Graphic Design Portfolio Site https://carriegarrison.design/