Today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marily Vaillancourt . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

In addition to my artistic pursuits, I am constantly seeking ways to grow my audience and expand my reach. I actively engage with my followers on social media, responding to their comments and messages, and creating a sense of community around my artwork. By fostering these connections, I not only build a loyal following but also gain valuable insights and feedback that fuel my creative process.

Collaborations have also been instrumental in my journey. Working with other artists, designers and even brands has allowed me to explore new techniques, broaden my creative horizons, and tap into new markets. Collaborative projects have not only exposed my work to a wider audience but also enriched my own artistic development.

To sustain my full-time creative living, I have also learned to balance the artistic and business aspects of my career. While my passion lies in creating art, I recognize the importance of marketing, pricing, and managing my finances. By understanding the market value of my work, I can price it appropriately and ensure that my creative endeavors are financially sustainable.

Throughout my journey, I have encountered challenges and setbacks, but my perseverance and unwavering belief in my artistic vision have helped me overcome them. I remain committed to continuous learning, seeking opportunities for growth, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

Earning a full-time living from creative work is an ongoing process, and I embrace the journey with enthusiasm and determination. With each new artwork I create, each connection I make, and each milestone I achieve, I am grateful for the opportunity to live a life driven by my passion.

Remember, earning a full-time living from your creative work requires time, perseverance, and adaptability. Stay dedicated to your craft, build meaningful connections, and embrace the entrepreneurial side of being a creative professional. With passion and persistence, you can transform your creative pursuits into a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Marily, 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 got into the art business by initially focusing on creating iconic paintings. This approach allowed me to establish a recognizable style that set me apart in the art world. By designing pop art paintings that were instantly recognizable and capturing attention, I created a distinct brand identity.

To further my artistic career, I actively sought connections with other artists and art curators. Collaborating with fellow artists not only provided me with creative inspiration but also opened doors to participate in art shows and exhibitions. By networking and engaging with art curators, I was able to showcase my work to a wider audience and gain exposure in the art community.

As I continued to evolve as an artist, I expanded my art portfolio to include other styles such as abstract pop art, street art, and even ventured into the realm of digital art, including the creation of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). This expansion allowed me to explore new artistic avenues and adapt to the changing landscape of the art industry.

Incorporating abstract art into my repertoire enabled me to experiment with bold colors, expressive brushwork, and unconventional compositions. This style allowed me to convey emotions and ideas in a more abstract and thought-provoking manner.

Venturing into street art introduced a dynamic and urban edge to my artistic expression. I embraced the vibrant energy and visual language of street art, bringing a sense of grit and authenticity to my work. This expansion allowed me to connect with a broader audience that resonated with the urban culture and contemporary art scene.

What sets me apart from other artists is my exceptional combination of artistic vision, signature style, versatility across mediums, and unique perspective shaped by my personal experiences. My distinct artistic style, characterized by bold choices, intricate techniques, and innovative approaches, makes my art unmistakably yours. My ability to explore various mediums, from fine art pop art to abstract, street art, and digital art like NFTs, showcases my versatility and adaptability. My art reflects my individuality and deepens connections with viewers, resonating on an emotional level. Embracing my distinctive voice and continue to push boundaries, for it is through these exceptional qualities that I truly stand out in the art world.

I am incredibly proud of my art business. It represents the culmination of my passion, dedication, and hard work. It’s amazing to see how I have been able to turn my creative talents into a sustainable and fulfilling career. I take immense pride in the portfolio of high-quality artwork I have created. It showcases my unique style and creative range, and it’s truly a reflection of who I am as an artist. I am especially proud of the connections I have made with my target audience. Understanding their preferences and needs has allowed me to build a loyal following and attract potential clients who appreciate my work. Building my professional website and online portfolio has been a significant achievement for me. It’s my virtual gallery, where I can showcase my art to the world. And social media has played a vital role in promoting my work and engaging with my audience. It’s incredible to witness the impact my art has on others—how it resonates with viewers, evokes emotions, and sparks meaningful connections. My art business is a true testament to my talent, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. Seeing it thrive brings me immense satisfaction and fills me with pride.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

In today’s digital age, social media platforms offer artists incredible opportunities to showcase their work, connect with a global audience, and cultivate a dedicated following. I’ve realized the importance of social media in building my audience, and I’d like to share some valuable strategies that have helped me along the way.

First and foremost, I started by defining my artistic identity and understanding the unique aspects of my work that make it stand out. This clarity allowed me to attract like-minded individuals who resonate with my artistic vision.

Researching and identifying the social media platforms that best align with my target audience and content type was crucial. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest have been instrumental in reaching and engaging with my audience effectively.

Consistency has played a vital role in building my audience. I create a content schedule and stick to it, sharing my artwork, progress shots, studio insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses regularly. This consistent posting helps keep my audience engaged and ensures that my work stays in their feeds.

I put emphasis on creating high-quality content that showcases my artwork in the best possible light. Investing time in capturing professional photographs of my art with accurate colors and details. I also write compelling captions that tell the story behind each piece, providing context and inviting conversations.

Engaging with my audience is essential. I make sure to respond to comments, answer questions, and acknowledge their support. This fosters a sense of community and encourages them to become loyal followers.

Hashtags have been an effective tool for increasing my reach on social media. I research and use relevant art-related hashtags that are popular within my niche. This helps my content appear in searches, exposing it to a wider audience interested in art.

Collaborating with fellow artists, art influencers, or creative brands has been another valuable strategy. Seeking opportunities for joint projects, guest features, or art challenges has allowed me to tap into new communities and gain exposure.

Sharing my artistic journey authentically has resonated with my audience. Showing the evolution of my skills, the inspiration behind my work, and the challenges I face as an artist. People appreciate the human side of creativity and love to connect with artists on a deeper level.

Becoming an active participant in online art communities, forums, and groups has helped me establish myself as an engaged member of the art world. I share my knowledge, provide constructive feedback to others, and join discussions. This contribution has expanded my network and furthered my exposure.

Building an audience on social media as an artist requires dedication, authenticity, and a strategic approach. By consistently sharing high-quality content, engaging with the audience, and utilizing the right platforms, I’ve been able to gradually build a strong and engaged following. It’s important to remember that building an audience takes time, so staying persistent and continuing to refine your craft is key. Your unique artistic voice will resonate with the right audience, creating a thriving community of art enthusiasts around your work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As an artist, my mission is to capture the creative essence of every element in my work. From colors and materials to brushes, spray paint, and even the walls I work on, each aspect becomes a canvas for my artistic expression. I carefully choose pigments, paints, and mediums that align with my vision, infusing each color with meaning and evoking specific emotions. The tools I use, such as brushes and spray paint, become extensions of my hands and imagination, allowing me to create the desired textures and effects. Whether on canvas or walls, each surface holds significance, interacting with my brushstrokes and transforming the space into an immersive experience. Through my designs, I channel my inspirations and emotions, inviting viewers to connect with the deeper layers of my creative expression.

Furthermore, my ultimate goal is to evoke emotions and inspiration from viewers through my artwork. I want to create a profound connection that resonates with individuals, stirring their hearts and minds. I strive to capture the essence of beauty, passion, and depth in my creations, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the stories and emotions conveyed. My aspiration is for people to not only appreciate my work but to fall in love with it—to feel compelled to bring it into their own spaces, where it can continue to inspire and uplift their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marilyvaillancourt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilyvaillancourt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marilyvaillancourt1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyvaillancourt/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheArtGalore_

Image Credits
Pictures by Nesrine Brikci, Founder of blog @TempsDunCafe (Temps D’un Cafe) & Founder of Blog @LescalesVoyage (L’escale Voyage)