We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Keck recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In typical millennial fashion, I have had lots of “careers.” Everything from working for a catering business, to retail, to working for a denim company; it has been a real mixed bag. It wasn’t until I started a small Disney-inspired business with my friend Jordan that the creative juices really started flowing. We loved getting to create enamel pins and accessories with a magical flare. But it wasn’t enough for both of us full-time; so I took a job in a doctors office and slowly the small business took a back seat. Then the pandemic hit. Of course, it was hard on everyone but I found myself so tapped out creatively that I decided to download the Procreate app and start some Skillshare classes to improve my drawing. Soon it became apparent, this is what I wanted to do. After one year of juggling both the office job as well as commissions and a small Etsy shop, I gave my notice to the doctors office. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done, leaving a steady paycheck, but with the support of friends and family is a decision I am so glad I made!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Sarah, I am a 30-something year old living in New England. I am married with two kitties and always have a Disney trip on the calendar! I shared a little of how I got to be where I am in the last questions, but I do come from a family of artists. Both sides of my family boast creative flares but my grandmother was the one who got me painting at a young age. While I admit, it took a long time to find my way back to the art world, I am so glad I did. I almost exclusively work in digital art on Procreate with my trusty iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. I have my own Etsy shop where I sell Disney-inspired tees, sweatshirts and tote bags with designs I have created on them . I also work freelance and have provided seamless patterns and designs for other small shops. While usually they are Disney-inspired as well, I have designed logos, invitations and jewelry design. My creations are fun, whimsical and have a touch of vintage style to them! I am so proud of how far I’ve come since I started. A majority of my clients are repeat commissions and I have enjoyed watching their companies grow and know that I have been a part of that even in a small way.

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

The most rewarding aspect for me is that I am never finished learning. Growing and improving my craft has been wonderful to see. When I put pieces I have created now next to pieces that I created less than a year ago and see growth and strength, it is amazing. It is so important for me to constantly be learning and I find that I am constantly challenged and learning in my chosen field.

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

Continue to use creatives! In a world where AI is quickly becoming more and more utilized, it is more important than ever to continue to hire real people for creative jobs. When there are people behind things, there is heart. You’re appreciating something that someone has poured their blood, sweat and sometimes tears into and that is always going to be superior to typing in a few keywords.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SKeckDesigns?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
• Instagram: shop: @shops.keckdesigns commissions: @s.keckdesigns