We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Caleigh Ellison a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Caleigh, thanks for joining us today. Are you 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?

I have been so lucky to do my art as my full time career since fall 2020, I have always painted and drawn, since I was little- my kindergarten teacher called me “craft queen” & I’ve tried to really fill that title since!! In high school though, I think I realized I wanted do art for all my life. I had started painting denim jackets, selling pet portraits, & teaching part time paint and sip classes at a local studio back in my hometown. I did my art part time til I had a tik tok go viral in 2020, & was able to pursue my art fully, & have been so happy to do it since. I started online mainly with paintings and my “wearable art” as I call it on wide brim hats. Through that I have been able to build a following of the kindest customers and since then, have been tattooing as well since 2021. I have even had customers who bought hats from me previously, come into Florida to get a tattoo. To be able to showcase my art in a way that’s worn, whether on clothing or bodies has been really beautiful for me to see. I love expression, & I think funky fashion and pretty tattoos are a beautiful way to see yourself as an art piece. (Cause we all are I think!!)

I honestly think the timing of when I was able to do my art full time was perfect for me. I really believe that what is for you will come, & my passion turned business came perfectly timed for me. The pandemic was just ending, people were supporting small businesses more than ever, & I was able to use that momentum to further my art by getting my tattoo license, which was something I always wanted! To be able to pursue an apprenticeship while painting otherwise for income brought me constant artistic inspiration cause it was in each moment of my life.

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 name is Caleigh, like Cali & I am originally from New Mexico. I moved to England when I was 18 and moved to Florida after. My style I think has aspects from back home, warm florals and desert vibes, alongside whimsical, fantasy, bookish vibes from my time in England, and now being here in Florida surrounded by so much wildlife, I have more fauna vibes in my artwork! I feel my surroundings have had a massive impact on my style, what I see and am immersed in, translates into my artwork. I also love to read, mainly fantasy as well, & I think that shows in my creative process too!

I do paintings, such as on wide brim hats, totes, fanny packs, or just a typical canvas style painting! & I also tattoo, mainly black work. I love working with flora and fauna, witchy, whimsical, fantasy, & bookish vibes. I love wearable art, whether tattoos or hats and totes. To be able to feel comfortable in your skin, cause you’re showing artwork, makes you feel like artwork yourself. (& I think that’s very healing)

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I have never felt more fulfilled than when pursuing my passion. It’s been such a gift to be able to wake up each day and choose to create. I think being able to know that the joy and passion I feel from creating an art piece, tattoo or painting, is something that’s meaningful to others, is such a special and beautiful thing. It is so rewarding to see people connect with something that was meaningful to me to create.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Growing up with a passion for art, it is praised as a hobby, but not as a passion or a career often. I often heard friends and family say things such as “artists are always broke!” Or “you need to find a more reliable job & do art on the side!” & as much as I know it’s from a place of caring that I don’t struggle, it can come across as believing it not possible. & therefore, felt like I had to prove myself. I have learned along the way, that I would rather be “broke” & happy than rich and miserable. & the thing is too, pursuing my passion and pouring that into my work, has brought me more financial freedom than any other career path has before, & the joy I have alone means more than that. “I would rather die of passion than of boredom” is a quote I love (& have tattooed) from Van Gogh. I would rather choose my dream always, what’s life if not for passion.

I also think it’s a sweet reminder that without art, the world wouldn’t go around. Magazines, photos, the diagrams in medical and school texts, the imagery we read and watch put to screen. Art is in everything, we just forget it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.LBOHOCHIC.com
• Instagram: @LBOHOCHIC
• Facebook: @LBOHOCHIC
• Other: Tik tok @LBOHOCHIC