Today we’d like to introduce you to Skye Paquette.

Hi Skye, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I’ve been drawing and expressing my creativity for as long as I can remember. I don’t know exactly how it started—I just know it’s always been a part of me. I began with pen and paper, but over the years, my mediums and materials evolved along with my artistic style.

Growing up, I never thought college was an option. We were very poor, so higher education wasn’t even on the table at the time. Art was something I was naturally good at, and many people encouraged me to pursue it in school, but it never felt like a realistic dream. My childhood was difficult—my mother became homeless when I was a teenager, and my father, a freelancer, was supporting two kids on his own. Survival took priority over everything else.

At 18, my world was turned upside down when my dad passed away. Fortunately, my mom was able to rebuild her life, and because of her financial situation, I qualified for grants that allowed me to attend college while working full-time. I chose to study visual communication design since it felt more technical and viable than a traditional art degree. After five long years of juggling coursework and managing full-time, I finally earned my degree.

Now, I work as a freelancer, taking on various projects while also focusing on my own creative work. I may not be a well-known artist making a fortune, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished despite the roadblocks and challenges I’ve faced. I’m grateful for the journey and excited to see where it takes me next.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

As I mentioned before, the road to where I am today was anything but smooth. I grew up in a poor household with no experience navigating higher education, so when it came time to access it, I was entirely on my own. On top of grieving my father’s death and helping my mom rebuild her life, I had to start school in a new town, with a new job—all during the chaos of the 2020 COVID pandemic. It felt like one hit after another, and honestly, I’m both surprised and proud of myself for pushing through and earning my degree during such a difficult time.

I channeled much of my grief and struggle into my art, which became a way for me to communicate emotions I hadn’t realized I could express. It also showed me that others connected with what I had to say through my work. That was a powerful realization.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend working full-time while attending school full-time—but for some, it’s a necessary sacrifice. After all, pressure is what creates diamonds.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I am an illustrator, graphic designer, and artist. My work is eclectic, and I often struggle to pinpoint a single specialty in my creative endeavors. Most of my professional experience lies in logo design and illustration projects, but I thrive on exploring new artistic challenges.

I love learning and teaching myself new skills, so when someone approaches me with a project I’ve never done before, I find it exciting rather than intimidating. I’m always upfront about my experience and flexible in how I approach my work. No one starts as a master, but I take pride in my ability to adapt and eventually master anything that’s asked of me creatively.

Despite not actively advertising my services, I’m proud that I’ve been able to find success through word-of-mouth and the strength of my work alone. I take a laid-back approach to art—money isn’t what drives me to create, but I’m grateful that people appreciate my designs enough to pay for them. What sets me apart is my unique background and perspective, which I bring to every project I take on.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

I believe curiosity is the most important quality behind my success. I’m always eager to learn and take on projects outside my existing knowledge. I can’t see myself sticking to just one path when it comes to my work or career—I thrive on variety and exploration.

Beyond my art, I’m also a leader with experience managing teams, and leadership, like creativity, requires curiosity. Understanding different people and perspectives is essential to guiding a team effectively. Just as in art, openness and adaptability are more valuable than a rigid, narrow approach.

Art is a deeply human expression that allows us to connect with each other in ways words sometimes can’t. To be a great artist, you need to be curious—about everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Spaquette1.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: @graphic_skye
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552867920693
• Other: https://graphicskyedesigns.etsy.com