Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Walker.
Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been creative. My parents are creative professionals and they encouraged me to become a better artist. After my babies were born, I started teaching children’s and then adult art classes. I did that for several years but realized I wanted more time to make art.
To have more time to make the art, I needed to sell the art. I started by doing custom art and illustrated a couple of books. Because most of my art was done to other people’s specifications, I needed to start making art just to please myself.
This new art was brightly colored, highly textured, and very playful. I started selling my Creative Creatures at festivals. Now I do art festivals, custom art, art weekend retreats, and have my art in galleries. It is a lot of work but totally worth it to get to make art as my job.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Selling art in festivals is not for the faint of heart. I have sheltered in nearby buildings multiple times while watching severe storms roll over festivals, praying our tents were spared. I have worked with a torn meniscus, hobbled around for a year needing surgery and worked a month after that knee replacement. I have worked festivals in the sweltering heat, in a hail storm in June, and in torrential rain. It isn’t an easy life. But when it is good, it is very very good.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most interested in emotions and personality. Making pretty or super realistic art is not exciting for me. I want to connect with my viewers through my art. I make art with emotion, art with meaning, art with a soul.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I have been learning the business side of festival work from Tracy Lizzotte Studios. She has a wonderful marketing program. I listed to Independant Artist Podcast and Art Juice also.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurawalkerart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurawalkerartwithasoul
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurawalkerartwithasoul
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-walker-4ab1983a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@laurawalkerartwithasoul
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artwithasoul
