We recently connected with Inktuce and have shared our conversation below.

Inktuce, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

When I was in college, I worked two jobs, as well as a volunteer job that took up my weekends. At one of my jobs, I was always asked to pick up extra shifts, and I usually said yes. I remember my boss telling me I needed to learn to say no, and not spread myself so thin. Having my boss’ permission to say no gave me the courage to do so, and I think about that all the time. It is important for me to balance my current day job with my art, so that art remains fun for me. Before saying yes to something, I take time to consider what is already on my plate, how much stress the project could potentially cause, and who I am working with, but more importantly how the person/organization makes me feel. Since I have a day job to pay my bills, I have the option of turning something down if it doesn’t feel right to me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Inktuce, a female artist currently based in Arizona. I have always been a creative person – whether it be crafts, drawings, and sculptures as a kid, photography in college, and now painting, drawing, toy customizing, and more! I began seriously focusing on art in 2019 when I developed one of my main characters, Stesso (the guy with all the teeth). My goal is to create colorful, whimsical art that I want to look at. This means my art is full of characters with cute, funny faces. I don’t like working in one medium, so I’m often trying something new.

As an artist, I am most proud of the connections I have made along the way. I know how good it feels to receive such kind and supportive messages, and it’s important for me to do that for others. It was in doing this that I entered into the world of collaborations, which has been super fulfilling. There is something very special about brainstorming ideas with another artist and letting the creative juices flow. I always love the end result.

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 wish more people would understand that art is a career and business, not unlike any other entrepreneurial endeavor. Just because we are creating, and we enjoy creating, doesn’t mean it should be valued any less. I had to pause commissions because I had too many people wanting work for less than minimum wage, or not paying me at all. I know I am not alone in this experience and many artists struggle with this as well. There are so many other things that go into being an artist that are behind the scenes. Marketing, social media, procuring supplies, inventory, photographing products, the list goes on.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is connecting with people through my art, whether it be buyers or other artists. I have found the community to be very positive and welcoming.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/inktuce
• Instagram: instagram.com/inktuce
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/inktuce