Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maddie Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Maddie, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
I believe in being a Jack of all trades and a master of none. When I was in college, I was told that artists must commit to a style and a market, and stick to that. It was said that it is imperative to become a master of one thing so people will look to you as their source. To some extent, this is true. The faster you figure out your niche and start producing, the sooner you’ll begin to earn some income. However, I’ve always found it difficult to conform or choose just one trade. As an artist and someone constantly in pursuit of knowledge, I can’t help but try everything. In my short 26 years on this planet, I have been a woodworker, seamstress, illustrator, designer, scientist, educator, and more. Being able to do many different things is what keeps me motivated. I’ve found that when I pressure myself to stick to one thing, that thing becomes impossible.
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.
Of course! I’m Maddie Walker, the Assistant Director of Eureka Valley Arts and an illustrator. I received my BFA in Illustration from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, where I also developed skills as a seamstress and woodworker. In 2021, I began working with children as a Collaborator at Project Ember. At Project Ember, I taught kids how to use divergent and convergent ideation processes, generate a product with a storyline as a group, and bring their wildest dreams to life by building large-scale structures with moving parts. After my time at Project Ember, I became the Assistant Director of Eureka Valley Arts, an after-school arts program and camp based in San Francisco, CA. At EVA, I provide weekly projects for children and teach them every craft imaginable—from painting to macrame, using laser cutters or hammers, sewing or cardboard robot heads, to building miniature homes. While my goal is to inspire children to create and learn as much as they can, I’ve found that they, in turn, inspire me. I’m proud to be able to be the adult my younger self needed to talk to and learn from. When I’m not working with the kids, I’m writing and designing children’s books.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Often we look at other people’s work and feel like ours may not match up to theirs or vice versa. This does not mean we aren’t good at what we do, it means we are all different. The way that each person interacts with the world is unique to them and all occupations are equally important to create a beautiful and diverse society.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that I am never bored. Knowing that I can do anything that is put in front of me- all I have to do is watch a video, read a book, or ask my peers, “How?” is the most creative and fulfilling way to live my life. I love being able to laser cut a colorful lid for my fish tank, build a hanging garden box for my home, or throw a ceramic bowl on the wheel to eat a meal out of. I’ll never get bored of hearing kid’s day to day problems and coming home to write a children’s book inspired by those very scenarios. Being a creative keeps my life joyful and entertaining.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: [email protected]
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddieswalker
