We recently connected with Aaron Shaw and have shared our conversation below.
Aaron , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Risk is not merely the avoidance of failure; rather, it entails embracing failure. Contrary to common belief, this aspect is not inherently negative. Without the possibility of failure, there can be no chance of achieving success. I firmly believe that there are individuals today that are inherently inclined to embrace more risks, be it in their personal or professional lives. There’s also individuals that only take calculated risks to minimize the likelihood of failure, I do not perceive myself as belonging to that category though. If I am to stumble, the responsibility for failure rests solely upon me. I do not have to worry about the impact on employees or family, for these factors serve as mitigating elements in my risk-taking.
My risk is intrinsically tied to creating art that may never find a buyer. It lies in pouring my soul into my artwork or, more recently into a podcast that might never reach an audience. This risk is profoundly personal, as it exposes myself and my vulnerability to any form of criticism. The true risk I face is the failure to meet my own expectations, a failure that extends beyond external factors. Failing myself carries a much greater weight. It means that I did not even try, it means that I gave up on myself. I cannot find that outcome acceptable.
In the past few years, I took two significant risks that have shaped my career. The first was organizing my art exhibit in a new city. I put out new paintings that I had never done before and were not my usual style. Because I took this risk, I sold 11 out of 22 paintings my opening night. The second risk involved embarking on a podcast dedicated to exploring the transformative impact of my exercise journey. Through this podcast, I delve into how it has positively influenced my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I share my past traumas, my constant struggles even now dealing with the abuse I had as a child, and broken romantic relationships. I talk about my history and lifelong diagnosis of anxiety and depression and how exercise along with therapy has made a tremendous positive impact on my overall well-being and self development. By going through my journey of working out and my past history it has helped me focus as an artist as well, it is help me narrow down what I want to pursue in terms of my artistic career. So far there have been high and low points. However, none of this would ever have started if I did not take the first step, which was to take a risk on myself.
Aaron , 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?
Hello, my name is Aaron Shaw. I am an artist and podcaster. I started my journey in the world of art while I was going through a divorce. I began using vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes to work through my pain. Through my art, I found healing and self-discovery, overcoming the shattered fragments of my marriage, depression and an abusive upbringing by my biological father.
I am currently continuing a venture that hold immense personal significance to me. For years I have been an artist, now I have also moved into the podcast field. The first revolves around my passion as an artist, where my brushstrokes and vivid colors come together to create a visual story. With each paining Im trying to express a part of my story, then as a consequence hopefully it touches a feeling in the viewer.
Motivated to share my experiences, I ventured into podcasting. In my raw and unfiltered podcast, I openly share my fitness odyssey that has help with self-discovery, my mental health battles, therapy, and the scars of past trauma inflicted by an abusive father. It’s a narrative that intertwines elements of exercise, therapy, and even my artwork, revealing how they are interconnected and have influenced my path so far.
What sets my podcast apart like what sets my artwork apart is my unapologetic nature. My willingness to take risks. I offer a space where I tell my story, and this grants permission for others to be vulnerable themselves. I strive to provide an authentic reflection of life’s complexities, sharing the lessons I’ve learned through therapy and personal struggles.
One of my proudest achievements is genuinely helping people through my artwork and podcast. By sharing my experiences, I aim to create a supportive community where others can find solace, inspiration, and growth. I believe in the power of granting permission to feel, reassuring listeners that it’s okay to experience their emotions fully and seek help without judgment.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me, my brand, and the core values that guide my work. I look forward to connecting with you and continuing to make a positive impact through my art and podcast.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
My artwork originally began as a passion project to help cope with the trauma from my divorce. Initially, I painted anything—abstracts, landscapes—anything that would aid me in my healing process. At first, I struggled to give away my artwork; my parents have some of my original pieces at their home. I didn’t think I was good enough to sell my artwork or turn it into a side hustle or business.
Fortunately, I met someone by chance who is still a friend to this day. We started talking, and I showed her my artwork. Her reaction was one of amazement; she saw my potential as an artist, even though I didn’t see it in myself. She invited me to join Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR), a nonprofit organization in Columbia, SC, where my artwork could be displayed for an upcoming charity event.
I only displayed a single painting, and to my surprise, it sparked a bidding war. It felt surreal that someone wanted to buy my work. Through that experience, I received my first painting commission, which terrified me. The idea that someone enjoyed my work enough to purchase it was an entirely new experience for me. Gradually, I gained ground within the nonprofit organization, showcasing my artwork at various charity events over the next few years.
This exposure led to donating my artwork to multiple charities, such as the Columbia SC Museum of Art and other organizations. The chain reaction continued, and individuals started commissioning me for my artwork. I also put on my first art exhibit. The same friend who recognized my potential helped me develop my style and grow as an artist. Through this process, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other artists who have profoundly influenced my growth.
What was once a personal healing practice has now become a business. I consider myself incredibly fortunate for the opportunities I’ve had. However, it’s not solely due to luck; it’s the result of meeting different individuals who have helped shape and guide my artistic career. I also have to give myself credit for the years of practice learning techniques and finding the right style that works best for me.
By connecting with these fellow artists and business owners, I’ve not only refined my style but also honed my skills in running an art business. One invaluable piece of advice that I still hold onto is to appeal not to everyone but to the select few individuals who have already purchased my work and personally connected with me.
Your originality, story, and connection with your audience are what make your journey as an artist unique and inspiring.
Being around the right people has been crucial to my artistic growth and the growth of my business. Their belief in my talent, guidance, and constructive criticism have helped propel not only myself but also my side hustle that is now a full-time business.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Certainly! Building my audience on social media has been a journey filled with dedication and a deep belief in the power of authenticity. Here’s the story of how I built my audience, along with some advice for those starting to build their own social media presence:
When I first began my journey on building my social media presence, I thought that it was just about gaining a large number of followers, I was wrong. It it was about connecting with individuals who genuinely resonated with my work, being my art or my podcast. I focused on quality over quantity, seeking out those who would appreciate the depth behind every brushstroke and word.
I also went small instead of large. I started focusing on small growth, one to three people a month. It takes time and dedication, but you’re able to actually Connect individually with your followers. I’ve met several of my Instagram followers this way and they’re all amazing people.
One of the key factors in building my audience was staying true to myself and embracing raw honesty. I shared not only the final artwork but also the stories and inspiration behind each piece. I used my captions as a platform to express my thoughts and emotions, creating a space where my audience could glimpse into the depths of my creative process and connect with me on a deeper level.
Consistency was another vital element. I dedicated myself to regularly sharing my work and engaging with my audience. By showing up consistently and providing value through my art and words, I started to build a sense of trust and reliability with my followers.
Engagement played a significant role in growing my audience. I actively engaged with my followers, responding to comments, and initiating conversations. I genuinely appreciated their support and took the time to acknowledge and connect with them. This created a sense of community around my work, fostering meaningful connections and encouraging word-of-mouth.
As for advice for those starting to build their social media presence, here are a few key points to keep in mind that have helped me:
1. Be authentic: Stay true to yourself and let your unique voice shine through. Share your story, your thoughts, and your process. Authenticity is what will attract your particular audience.
2. Consistency is key: Regularly post content and engage with your audience. Show up consistently, and they will come to rely on you for your unique perspective and insights. However, never burn yourself out thinking that you have to post daily. Post with quality over quantity.
3. Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, initiate conversations, and genuinely connect with your followers. Building relationships and fostering a sense of community will create a loyal and supportive audience.
4. Collaborate and network: Seek out opportunities to collaborate with others in your field. By sharing audiences and cross-promoting each other, you can reach new people and gain exposure.
5. Provide value: Share content that is meaningful, informative, or inspiring. Give your audience a reason to follow you by offering something of value to their lives. Never demand that someone follow you. You must first give your audience value in order to receive it.
Building a social media presence takes time and effort, but by staying true to yourself, connecting with your audience, and consistently sharing your unique perspective, you can create a thriving community that supports and appreciates your work. 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shaw_signature_collections?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
- Podcast link: https://anchor.fm/aaron-shaw90
- Email: Shawsignaturecollections@gmail.com