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

Carol, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

I can still vividly remember the night more than 20 years ago when I earned my first dollar as an artist. At the time, I had my first studio in a sprawling warehouse filled with other creatives, and we were hosting a gallery walk. It was a pivotal moment for me—I had recently returned to art after years of working as an advertising manager for large corporations. Coming back to art, I focused on the fundamentals, refining my skills through drawing and crafting small pastel paintings.

Earlier that year, I had traveled to Switzerland and captured a photo of three sheep grazing in a sunlit field. The light hitting them was so exquisite that I felt compelled to translate the image into a 9×12-inch pastel painting. It became one of the pieces I displayed that night. To my amazement and delight, it was the first artwork to sell, priced at $75.

The adrenaline rush was unforgettable. I was thrilled, not just by the sale itself but by what it represented: a rekindling of my identity as an artist. That night, surrounded by the hum of creativity and the buzz of visitors, I felt a deep sense of validation. That single sale meant the world to me—it wasn’t about the money; it was about stepping boldly back into the world of art and finding my place again.

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?

As an artist, my journey has been one of evolution and exploration, marked by a transformation from realism to impressionism, and ultimately, to abstraction. The progression of my artistic style over the span of 25 years has been the building blocks for this latest phase of my art, abstraction.

Each brushstroke in my large-scale canvases conveys movement, vitality, and depth, creating intricate layers of color and texture. Like a hummingbird, my paintings pulse with vibrant energy, drawing viewers in.

My work is a vibrant exploration of abstract art, created on large, unstretched canvases using a mix of acrylic, glazes, pastel, charcoal, and graphite. My process involves building up multiple layers of paint, resulting in richly textured and dynamic compositions. This layering technique adds depth and complexity to my pieces, inviting viewers to discover new details with each look.

My art aims to ignite fascination and awe in viewers, encouraging them to embrace the beauty and complexity of abstract art. Through my work, I invite audiences to experience the power of non-representational forms and colors, sparking imagination and emotional responses.

I am now turning my attention to helping other artists by creating a masterclass specifically designed to empower artists who want to collaborate with interior designers. This comprehensive resource takes the form of a 40-page booklet, thoughtfully integrated with QR codes throughout. These QR codes unlock exclusive videos where I personally guide artists through implementing the strategies outlined in the booklet. I also share valuable tips and behind-the-scenes insights to help them succeed.

Did you know there are 17 times more interior designers than art galleries? This untapped market presents a significant opportunity for artists to establish a lucrative and sustainable income stream. My goal with this masterclass is to provide artists with the tools they need to confidently approach and work with interior designers, opening doors to new and rewarding possibilities for their art careers.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There’s a small book by Dan Sullivan called “Who not How” that transformed the way I think about getting tasks done. Being an artist, I’m a one-man band. All of the jobs, whether it’s marketing, shipping, or hanging art, fall on me, or so I thought.

Who Not How is a guide to transforming your mindset and unlocking limitless growth in both business and life. Instead of asking, “How can I do this?” Sullivan challenges readers to shift their focus and ask, “Who can do this for me?” This simple but powerful question helped me break free from overwhelm, procrastination, and the belief that I must do everything myself.

By learning to build a network of capable “Whos” who align with my goals, I can achieve more, free up time, and expand my potential in every area of life.

This book empowers you to create a future full of abundance, freedom, and choice by leveraging collaboration and focusing on what truly matters to you.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Being a professional artist is far from the leisurely pursuit many imagine; it’s a full-time commitment that demands dedication, resilience, and a wide range of skills. Beyond creating art, which itself involves countless hours of practice, experimentation, and refinement, there’s the business side to manage. This includes marketing, networking, maintaining a professional online presence, organizing exhibitions, negotiating with clients, and often handling the logistics of shipping and framing. Artists must constantly seek new opportunities, stay inspired, and evolve creatively, all while balancing the financial uncertainties of the profession. It’s a career that requires passion and perseverance, not just talent, and it’s anything but a hobby.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carolmacconnell.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolpaints_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolmacconnell/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-macconnell/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carolmacconnell

Image Credits

Tina Gutierrez