Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Crews. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amy, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

So funny you should ask me to “paint the picture” for you when asking me to share a story about a time I took a risk. When I was a fine art major in college it was an entirely different time for creatives. I was told by professors and advisors that the only fields I could go into were to be an art teacher in schools or find a different field that would use my creative talents. That would be medical illustration or graphic design if I was lucky. That was the 1980’s. In the end, I wound up with degrees in Marketing and Management and hoped perhaps I could find a career that would put those degrees to use and allow me to be creative. Fast forward and I found myself married to my college sweetheart and working for Southern Living Magazine in Birmingham, Alabama. After our first child was born, there was some restructuring and I had an opportunity to choose between taking a severance package or shifting to another department. Here’s where the first big risk lay. My husband and I agreed that I would take the package and enjoy being home with our son who was then 1. I could supplement his income with severance and be at home with him until at least he was in preschool. With the severance allowance I took another risk, and dove back into painting classes. I had missed creating so much since having studied art in school. Then, I took what to many artists feels like the biggest risk of all…I put my art (and myself) “out there”. Thankfully it was well received and actually became a source of income. Now, over 20 years later, I am still at home, only I am working here in my studio. I have built a business that has helped support our family. Thanks in large part to the new and modern opportunity available to artists. It is a very different world from where I was in the 80’s as a student starting out.

Amy, 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 specialize in oil painting and I also have started an accidental additional business with a quarterly box subscription. What brings me the greatest joy, and in turn defines success for me personally, is building connection with my collectors, followers and subscribers. I feel I am doing what I was created to do and I’m reminded of this by the response and feedback I receive. I love people and love to hear and share our stories. I think everyone should have at least one meaningful piece of art in their homes and it’s an honor anytime I get to create that for someone. With the gift box business, I enjoy incorporating my art and creating products that I then assemble in beautiful seasonal packages. I saw a need for women who are most often the “gift givers”, to enjoy being on the receiving end with surprises. Ultimately, I want everyone to know and feel they are loved.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Creatives work in solitude most often. We are surrounded by our own work and often as a result, our own “voice” is what can dominate our thoughts. We need to protect ourselves. It is only natural that when you leave the “cave” and venture out to show your work to compare yourself to other artists. I learned early on that we have different journey’s. We are also on different parts of those journey’s (early, middle, end). We also all define what success is differently. To some it’s only about the dollar amount and they are eager to compare theirs to yours for example. Add to this that there is a natural flow to conversation when you see a friend or family member where when, simply in being conversational, they will inevitably ask if you know about “so and so” and then tells you how wildly successful they are. They in no manner mean to burst your bubble or discourage you. But it does if we are honest. And let’s be honest. The sooner you realize that these things are inevitable and that comparison and imposter syndrome will all come with the territory, the sooner you can make a conscious effort to shut them down in your mind. Capture your thoughts and correct them before you let any negativity slow you down or force you back into hiding. Everyone, every single one of us, has a voice. And if we were all the same, what a sad chorus that would be. We need each others unique voices. Not just in art. But in all areas of life. Let’s encourage one another.

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.

I don’t think anyone realizes what a “business” being an artist is. Many of us are just like any other business in that we have licenses, taxes, accounting, marketing, inventory management, customer service, etc. We wear many hats that I think would surprise people who aren’t creatives. I don’t know if they realize how the simplest show of support makes a difference for us. We are truly local and small businesses like the other “mom and pop shops” in town and are also in need of community support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amycrewsgallery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amycrewsartist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amycrewsartist

Image Credits
Alan Matthews Caroline Rice