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

Erin, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

There are definitely pros and cons to choosing a creative path as opposed to a ‘regular’ 9-5 job. Right now, I am actually in the midst of figuring out what it is I want and where I think I will be more fulfilled as it relates to this. With a regular job, there is the potential for a stronger sense of security and routine, but little room for freedom and flexibility day to day. I’m learning that freedom, flexibility and creativity are priorities for me and if that means taking the road less travelled or making my own path, it’s 100% worth it. There is a bit of fear and apprehension of taking radical responsibility for my life and sustaining my own business, but I believe it is possible to live a life of creativity, freedom and abundance without conforming to the 9-5 lifestyle. I can’t picture my life going any other way.

Erin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I like to call myself a Holistic Artist and Designer as most of what I create takes into consideration my passions for sustainability, health & wellbeing, and the power of community and connectedness; as these are all inevitably intertwined. Like most people, I am multi-faceted and I like embracing my diverse interests and thinking in my work. I have a B.F.A in Textiles from the Savannah College of Art and Design and have a background and experience in graphic design, fine art and sustainability. I am currently in a season of creative pause, finding myself between the push and pull of creating just to create, and expanding my craft into something more. As for now, I draw using the natural world as my mentor. I draw to bring my mind into stillness, and I draw to bring my creativity to life.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe creativity lives in everyone; whether it’s writing, drawing, singing, dancing, cooking, playing, dreaming, etc. As children, it’s natural to be in that state of being often. It’s a curiosity- a mindset of ‘ well, what if…’ I think if we want a society that supports creatives and/or creative expression, we need to learn from children. These aspects of ourselves are not something we grow out of. They are always a part of us and are actually integral to our overall well-being. Having a creative outlet is a way to release, it’s a way to process, it’s a way to make our voices heard, it’s a way to connect, it’s a way to reflect the times, it’s a way to imagine our future. I think to foster a supportive environment for a thriving creative ecosystem, we must individually- in our own ways- awaken our inner child and foster that within ourselves first. Because you can’t create externally what you haven’t nurtured in your own self.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Right now, I create just to create. In the past, I have created to experiment and I have created to produce. My goal at this point in time is to create with no attachment to an outcome. I do it because it brings me joy, helps bring my mind at ease, and is just a way to express.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erinhulldesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslylivedthecat/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-hull0/

Image Credits

Personal Photo Image Credit: Kyra Harris