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

Allie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

I’ve always loved creating. I’ve been drawn to crafts and making things since I was a kid. I always dreamed I’d be a full-time artist. I wanted to make big, grand paintings for galleries or own a little shop that sold my prints. Knowing now that people have my art in their homes – and are excited about it – feels surreal. It’s hard, though. I wasn’t quite prepared for the anxiety and mental effort that goes into being a new mom and artist/business owner. There is never enough time to create all the things I want to create. I’m home full time with my son so getting time to myself in my studio is tricky. I work in spurts, mostly, which lends to feeling like I am never not working. I couldn’t imagine giving this up – being home and being an artist – but now and then an alternate reality does flit into my mind. A “What If” scenario. What would my life be like if I just closed up shop, popped my son into full-time daycare, and went back to a 9-5 job? I think in some ways, sure, it would be easier. We’d probably have more money (depending on the daycare). I’d probably be less touched out. At the end of the day, however, I think it would crush the creativity out of me. I don’t think I’d have time left to make things just for the sake of it. I’d lose the connection that comes with markets and meeting both the other makers and the people buying my art. It’s fun to imagine a stereotypical career path but I don’t think I could do it.

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 Allie, and I’m the artist and creative soul behind October Art Studio. Based in Goose Creek, SC, I create bright, inclusive artwork designed to bring joy and a sense of belonging to everyone. Creativity has always been a part of who I am—I was that kid who was constantly drawing, crafting, and making things with my hands. My love for art really took off during high school and continued through college, where I painted my way through countless canvases. I dappled in theatre too, while pursuing my BA in Creative Writing at the College of Charleston. My background in storytelling has blended beautifully with my art, allowing me to create work that feels personal, meaningful, and full of heart.

October Art Studio officially began as a way to cope with postpartum mental health challenges after the birth of my son, Auggie. Art became a lifeline during that time, and what started as a personal creative outlet has now grown into a small business where I get to share my creations with others. I offer a range of handmade items, including art prints, stickers, magnetic bookmarks, Kindle charms, and more. My work often features vibrant colors, playful designs, and heartfelt themes inspired by my love of books, plants, and tiny bits of joy and sass.

What sets me apart is my commitment to inclusivity and connection. My mission is to create art for everyone—no one should ever feel left out or unseen. My personal experiences as a mom, a neurodivergent individual, and someone with a chronic illness shape everything I create. It’s important to me that my work makes people feel valued and brings a little light into their day.

I’m incredibly proud of how far October Art Studio has come, from having my items stocked at Southern Ruetz in downtown Charleston to partnering with Alexis and Bound to Bindings, where my art gets to live alongside her incredible selection of romance and fantasy novels. I’m hoping to really expand my wholesale connections this year and to see my art in more shops.

If you’re new to October Art Studio, I’d love for you to know that everything I create means a lot to me. Whether it’s a colorful sticker, a snarky keychain, or a thoughtful print, I aim to brighten your day and remind you that you matter.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I really and truly get so much joy from having people come up to me at markets to tell me that they have something I created, be it a sticker or an art print, and that they love it so much. Having people come back is next-level joy as an artist. You chose me and my work once and you loved it so much that you came back? Incredible.

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

I love anything put out by Lisa Bardot, Gemma Blackburn, and Jess Miller. They are such talented women and their teaching style and small tips/tricks have helped me so much. For books, I’d recommend Lisa Bardot’s ‘Drawing Digital’ and Roche Woodworth’s ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Procreate.’

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.octoberartstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoberartstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/octoberartstudio
• Other: www.theoctoberartstudio.etsy.com

Image Credits

All photos taken by Allie Strickland