We recently connected with Lindsey Spears and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, 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?

Turning a passion into a career is no easy feat but is well worth the investment! I initially did art as more of a hobby/ side gig and slowly I started trying to take on larger projects until I eventually found myself booked up with projects and now a full time job. I think one big thing that helped expedite my growth was my ability to take initiative when it came to booking jobs. Many of my larger projects were obtained by simply sending out cold emails to business with mural proposals, reaching out to non profits to provide discounted murals in exchange for creative freedoms and portfolio building opportunities, and really just net working every chance I had. If I entered a coffee shop that I felt fit my aesthetic I would give them my business card and pitch a mural idea right then and there, I sent my volunteer pieces to news stations for publicity opportunities, reached out to large level bloggers about sharing content. I really think I left no stone unturned when it came to potential work opportunities.

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.

I am a professional artist specializing in mostly mural and live painting events. I originally began my art journey exclusively painting pet portraits from my Facebook page and slowly started growing my business by adding different art services until I found my creative niche in the mural and live art world. I spend most weekends traveling around creating live ceremony pieces at weddings along with quick guest portrait sketches. I first ventured into the live painting world after seeing some artist on TikTok and realizing that was something I could do, I reached out to a local couple to who generously allowed me to give it a go at their wedding and I’ve been running with that idea for about three years now. In between these weekend wedding jobs you can find me anywhere there is a blank wall in desperate need of some color! Ive really enjoyed the large variety or mural opportunities I’ve had the last couple of years painting at schools, animal shelters, coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, zoos and dozens of residential homes. Every project is different and allows me to meet and engage with new people, explore so many different creative avenues and leave places brighter and more lively than when I arrived. It’s honestly a dream!

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

I think the biggest thing the public can do to support artist is valuing their time and efforts. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes of painting that I often think is overlooked or undervalued. In addition to physically painting murals or projects I am also spending time corresponding with clients, designing mock up’s and revisions, making supply runs and planning out projects, taking the ideas of clients and aligning their artist visions into a piece that will fit their space and work the best for them, the list goes on. Offering artist work opportunities in exchange for supply fees, exposure, or low balling offers can be incredibly discouraging for artist trying to make a living out of their trade. I’ve been fortunate enough to land some honestly amazing clients who’ve respected my time and work but that was only achieved by learning when to say yes to a job and when to politely decline.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One resource I wish I had appreciated more was just the words and advice from other artist. It’s very difficult when starting out to not view every other artist as competition vs an artistic ally. Having never attended art school I learned so many tips and tricks of the trade from following other artist, networking with other professionals and really heading the advice they offered. Also I think a big thing is understanding your style and not altering it to fit jobs that aren’t really in your wheel house. While it is important to explore and try new projects, if a client is presenting a project that your style or theme you’re interested in or pursuing it is ok to decline.

Contact Info:

• Website: Paintingsnstuff.com
• Instagram: PaintingsNstuff LLC
• Facebook: PaintingsNstuff LLC
• Other: TikTok: the_paintingmama

Image Credits
Wedding photography was by Mpzphotography [instagram]