Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Suzanne Howe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Suzanne , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

This is a complex question. Ever since I graduated from University I have always painted as a side hustle and was lucky to have gallery representation to give me a few sales every year. I supported myself through freelance advertising gigs which took the pressure off needing my art to support me. Six years ago I decided to open a professional studio and paint full time. It has been amazing to have the time and space to finally to create a real body of work. And it has also brought lots of personal growth challenges. Being an introvert and having to constantly connect with people takes a lot of energy. But I do get a lot in return from my collectors, they are wonderful. But whenever young artists ask me questions about doing art full time the first thing I say is that you have to confront the reality that you are now a retail store. Yes, you personally. You are now responsible for book keeping, collecting and filing sales tax, shipping including customs issues, tracking client information, tracking your inventory, creating social media content, fending off scams, creating your brand and most of all selling yourself and your work. No matter how “good” your work is it may not be the flavor of the day. It takes 7 days a week of focus and hustle to do this. And I was naive about how much money goes out before money starts coming in. Do your best to stay lean… do you really need that $46 tube of Cobalt Turquoise Deep? If you are a true creative nothing will stop you, just saying you should go in with a good savings account and your eyes open.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a classically trained still life painter living in Minneapolis with a studio in the Northrup King Building. The building was a giant seed factory that has become a well known destination for incredible art events in Northeast Minneapolis like Art-a-Whirl.

My latest work shown here started when I decided to let my imagination dictate the compositions. I wanted to try to create a fresh, slightly humorous take on still life. Paintings started popping into my head fully formed while I was in a half awake state. Dreaming of floating fruit and walking teapots sent me towards expressing the human condition through anthropomorphic vignettes. By the use of objects as opposed to figures, I’m taking out gender and cultural cues and hoping everyone can relate to the stories. I describe my work with the adjectives: colorful, warm, joyful, positive, graphic, clean, modern, whimsical.

I think what I am most proud of in my work is the craftsmanship. I really care about having a beautiful surface with fun details. I want my paintings to look as good close up as they do from far away. I’m also proud when someone feels a connection and purchases my work. The act of painting is about sharing how and what you think and hoping that others understand and connect. Whether it’s the subject, the message, the energy or beauty they radiate… paintings are so exciting and real.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’m kind of reinterpreting this question a bit to be less about the business side, but a book that gave me a fresh perspective on creativity is Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert. I had never really considered where ideas come from and how to appreciate the process of “partnering with an idea” as opposed to thinking it was all about me “creating” an idea. A subtle difference that really takes the pressure off. Accepting and choosing ideas to work with that the universe is offering up is a really different way of engaging. I love thinking that ideas are out there floating around looking for someone to work with and they are excited when you say yes. Much more fun…

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I would say, try not to focus on quantity, but on quality. You want followers who are engaged with you and are looking forward to your next piece of art. Have a QR code on your wall linking to Instagram. Tell people that you are on Instagram, don’t be shy :)
If you do open studio events or art fairs, try having a contest or giveaway that requires them giving you an email address and do a newsletter. And then actually do a newsletter. It’s work, but it’s fun too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.suzannehowe.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sue.howeareyou/

Image Credits

Wendy Zins