We recently connected with Lauren Mohr and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren , appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

My career in the arts began when I attended college at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. I went in with the goal to become an art teacher, to me, this was the most reliable and stable way I could make a living pursing my interest in art.
During my time completing my student teaching requirements, Covid emerged. With it changed the courses and experiences available to me through college. I became a proficient “zoom” or “google meet” instructor. When I graduated and got my first “real job” I was horrifically underprepared and unsupported in this new role. I felt lost as everything I had done these past 4 years was in preparation for this career and I felt sick at the thought of continuing on this path for the rest of my life.
At the end of my first school year, I looked for new job opportunities. I found part time work within a school that allowed me to focus on myself. I created more art during this time than any other. A few friends I made along the way working at my new job encouraged me to apply to an art market. It was here that I felt like I belonged and could envision myself doing this professionally.
It’s been a little over one year since I’ve decided to purse art full time. It’s a dream I thought I never would be able to achieve and I am so happy and grateful every day that I have the opportunity to spend time creating. Reflecting back on my time as an educator, I miss the stability and routine that a “regular” job provided. However, I am undeniably happier working as an artist than I was in a classroom.

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 Lauren and I’m a pet portrait artist! After covid, I was feeling lower than I ever had. I began painting everyday as a form of art therapy and I chose to paint my favorite things – animals! Specially, I spent a lot of my time painting my two cats, Violet and Powder doing everyday things. I then started selling my work professionally at art markets and galleries throughout Philadelphia. Right now, I work as an independent artist taking pet portrait commissions! I love my work because it is something I truly enjoy and would be doing regardless.

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

Historically, the arts has always been under appreciated and underrepresented. The arts is something that should be encouraged because it makes life beautiful and promotes a more interesting and diverse world.
At large, I think it’s difficult to change the view of arts from society as a whole. On an individual level, I believe engaging with your local artists as opposed to supporting large scale corporations is a wonderful first step. If you need something, consult an artist, your painters, seamstress, wood workers, ceramicists, jewelry makers, crafters, printmakers, will put love into the products they create. The perceived cost of arts is skewed from industrial factories, but if you can afford an artist you will receive undeniably better quality, longer lasting, and more thoughtful products.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience through social media is something that will be a continuous effort. I began my art journey nearly a year ago, at at the time of writing this I have just shy of 1000 followers on instagram. It’s crazy to think that I got that many people to see my art, and like it enough to press that little follow button beside my icon.
I think the most common advice is true, posting daily will make social media platforms like Instagram or Tik Tok happy. Sometimes it can be draining to create content, I try to only create videos and posts that I would want to see if they were on my feed. Trending audios, hashtags, and short videos seem to be useful for artists just starting out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mohrdoesart.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mohrdoesart?igsh=MWZxZGpmc2c5aXF3dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093645618601&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://mohrdoesart.etsy.com/