We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Riley Judge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Riley below.
Riley , appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I have a full time job and I wonder sometimes how it would be to have to rely solely on my creative practice to support myself. I do my best to be happy as an artist. I think it’s hard sometimes when things like taxes come up.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started my business in 2020 when I lost my job like everyone else in the service industry. I make stickers mainly now but started by selling prints of my paintings. I still sell prints of my art but have branched out into other items like notepads, pins and tapes. It’s been so fun to build community with other artists at local markets and pop ups and to see and meet repeat customers. My art had been a way to share the joy of creating with others and to see other people find so much joy in it as well makes me incredibly happy.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think taking care of the basics of everyone to allow them the time and space to create is the best support society can provide. A happy, well-fed artist is an artist that can make works with joy and can add to their community.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I work a full time job on top of my creative practice and sometimes days or weeks go by without actively creating or making something. That doesn’t make me any less of a creative or my practice any less valid. There’s this idea that we have to constantly be working towards something or be in pursuit of something but allowing ourselves the space to rest is just as important. It’s easier to think of it as a practice that comes in waves like the ocean.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floraldeadart/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Floraldead