We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Ross Simmons recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lauren Ross thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have been an artist from the moments I could remember. After years of teaching art as a young college student, to 18 years of teaching theatre and painting backdrops, I finally decided to pursue my visual art talent full time. It has been over 12 years, two children later and many sleepless nights but the confidence that I have made the right decision to be a full time artist is just that….right.

Lauren Ross, 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 am a self-taught artist from Louisiana who currently resides in Shreveport. 20 years of fashion, theatre, and travel experience have shaped my brand, especially time spent as a wardrobe assistant for tours with both Cirque du Soleil and Hello Kitty.

Pop culture, fashion, and color drive my paint brush as I blend them to create award-winning pieces. I pull from iconic figures of the past and present and combine them with current fashions and designs.

I believe the people you surround yourself with, the places you visit, and your everyday lifestyle are what influence your artistic vision and ultimately help separate you as an individual.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I feel like my everyday is a pivot. Between the change of the times, the last hardships of the past few years, being a mom and just plain PEOPLE, I have tried to remain an individual. An original. All artists, all humans can be inspired by other artists/ people but what separates you is how you inspire others. If you truly believe in what you’re doing and you have the confidence, the originality shows through. It’s such a world of instant gratification and I’m not innocent to that, but, I know it takes hard work to stay the long haul. ANYONE can be an artist. But what separates us as creatives? True originals.

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

I have been the subject of copycats and people thinking that what I do is easy. “Oh I can do that” And it’s aggravating. It’s a nuisance. But I have to constantly remind myself that I never stop doing what I have to do to fulfill my dream as an artist/creative while feeding my family. I live in a small town (ish). Sometimes it feels like every time I turn there’s another version of something someone has already done.
I guess the quality will outdo the quantity. At least I hope….

Contact Info:

• Website: https://art-by-lauren-ross.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: @artbylaurenross
• Facebook: Art by Lauren Ross Simmons

Image Credits
Lindsay Steele Photography