We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Traci Rabbit. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Traci below.
Traci, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I have been a full time artist since I graduated from College with a Bachelors in Business Administration. I was self taught by my father who was also a self taught full time artist. It did not happen over night. God laughs when you make plans for he has other plans for you. This is exactly what happened to me. I do not think I could have sped up the process. Going through all the trials made me a better artist and business person.
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.
I am a second generation federally recongnized Cherokee citizen and full time artist out of Oklahoma. I followed in my father Bill Rabbit’s footsteps. We are/were both painters. We prefer using acrylics on canvas. My father passed in 2012 and I continue to build upon the legacy he left behind. I have a full gift line of reproductions that I sell all over the United States on a wholesale level. What sets us apart is from the conception of the original art all the way down to the production of our gift line is produced in our studio and is a Native American made in the USA product by my family. Our gift line consists of reproduction on canvas, coffee mugs, coasters, art tiles, magnets, cutting boards, umbrellas, clothing, purses, tote bags, journals, puzzels and licensing with big companies. What I am most proud of is the journey I had the privelage of sharing with my Dad and the works/projects we created together.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, it is being able to share our heritage and to evoke an emotion with the viewer. To transport them to another time and space. When you know or see you have emotionally reached someone just by viewing my art I know I am living my purpose.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When covid hit and all shows stopped. I already had an established website, which helped. I had to pivot and do more online social media. I had done a little, but I had to up my game on that particular aspect of my business. I also, did an online wholesale catalog so my buyers could buy online from me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://billandtracirabbit.com
- Instagram: @tracirabbit
- Facebook: bill & traci rabbit
- Linkedin: traci rabbit
Image Credits
Traci Rabbit