We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abby Elise Baker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abby Elise below.
Abby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
If you’d ask any artist if they have taken risks to get where they are today, 100% (yes 100%) of them will say YES! Being an artist is a risky move and throughout your career as an artist you will be presented with opportunities that seem uneasy or out of your comfort zone. While I have had many uneasy moments in my educational and professional career, my biggest risk was leaving my corporate 9-5 to become a full-time artist and designer. It was by far the biggest hurdle I have taken to date, but as scary as it was, it completely changed my life for the better.
When I made the courageous decision, it was one that I had thought about for a long, very long, time. I had all these thoughts of, “are people going to like my work”, “will it be consistent income”, “how the heck do I meet clients”, and many more… Through research and following my favorite artists and designers, I came to the conclusion that everyone out there is trying to figure it out, just like me. I don’t need all the answers right now, in fact I probably will never get to the true calculation of success because there isn’t one. Try something out and if you fail, well then try another way, and another way, and eventually you’ll be doing something right! The point is that you can’t give up– and you can’t make excuses for yourself. Just dive on in and do it!! No that doesn’t mean you need to leave your 9-5 right away, make sure financially it makes sense BUT don’t let finances be your excuse. For example, for the first year of me selling artwork I worked out of my basement after I got off work for my corporate job and painted for hours until I went to sleep. I also was doing interior design meetings in the evenings and on the weekends. I was flexible and made it work!
The day I decided I could leave my corporate job was a very scary day. I set a meeting with my manager (who is also a good friend) and I laid it on her that I was going to be leaving to fully work in art and design. She was pretty shocked, but was very supportive because I was leaving to do something I was passionate about. That was also the first day I felt like I was being myself at my corporate job. That everyone could see who I truly was and what I cared about. That’s when I knew I was doing the right thing. It was a high on life type of feeling that kept with me, and is still with me till today. Now, of course there are still rough days and times where I question everything, but that is completely normal. It will keep happening, but as long as I keep moving forward and keep creating I know it will work out. And if not, then I will be on to the next chapter of life!
Overall being an artist is inherently risky. But the reward is so much better, even if you fail over an over again. Keep at it! I always like to say that an artist’s life is hills and valleys. While I am thankful to be on a small hill for now, I am okay if tomorrow I’m in that valley.
Abby, 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 am a freelance artist and designer who works and lives in the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio. As a creative I have always had the desire to make something out of nothing. It wasn’t till my freshman year of college, and trying to find what I wanted to do, that I found a love for art in an elective course of Art History. I was intrigued by the artists we studied and their beautiful work. I specifically was drawn to the paintings and sculptures that were prominent in Italy and France during the Renaissance. I soon put that passion to work by changing majors into the fine arts. It was amazing! Late nights at the studio, trying out new techniques everyday, and building friendships with those around me that had the similar interests. It was a complete lifestyle change– and with that came a lot of challenges. Most of my challenges stemmed from doubt of others surrounding me with my educational and career choices. And soon, that doubt turned into self-doubt, so I ended up leaving a program I loved to join a program that would “get me a good career”. While I would like to say it was a mistake to leave that art program, I think it made me realize how much I missed it and it was apart of who I am. Many said to me, “art is just a hobby”, or “art is something you can do on the side”, but that’s not how I saw it at all. Art was a lifestyle for me, and it is apart of who I am. It took me some time, YEARS, to build up the courage to get back into creating art again. I started looking back at books I studied, artworks that I created in college, and quickly picked back up my pencils and paint brushes again. I spent hours in my basement just creating and trying to find a style that embodied who I was, and what creations I wanted to share with the world around me. So I mashed my love for painting and sculpture together–creating canvas artworks that are both raw but refined. Each of my artworks has layers of raw canvas, acrylic paint, and some sort of texture– my favorite being concrete. They are abstract, timeless, and almost therapeutic when identifying all the small details. I had found my style and passion once again!
From there I kept toying around with the idea to create an art business. I could start out small while at my regular corporate 9-5, and if it grew into something bigger than that would be great. If not, then I’ll keep creating and find a new direction to go down. I found a local art festival that would be my self proclaimed debut as an artist. I created about 10-12 artworks to sell at the festival, created social media accounts, a website, got all my tax and business filings together, made business cards… Went the whole nine yards. I’d like to say that it was all up from there but if you’re an artist you know that your career is full of highs and lows. While that festival was for sure a high, I had a rollercoaster of a year ahead of me. It included landing a full-time job as an interior designer, leaving my corporate job, selling artworks via social media, and continuing to create a client base for custom works.
Now I still have a ways to go in my career, but right now, I am so grateful to where I’ve gotten. Looking back I am the most proud of pushing aside what society and those around me were saying and doing something for myself. Putting me first and foremost was one of the hardest decisions I have made, but it has allowed me to be myself which in return has gave me the power to be the best partner, sister, daughter, and friend. Not saying I don’t still make mistakes and fail — but I am moving forward always.
My hope for my work is that it speaks to people and gives them hope, inspiration, and a creative journey… an outlet to let go and just see what is in front of them. I invite everyone to get lost in my work, make of it what you see, and stop worrying what everyone around you might think it is.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Be authentically yourself! This is the biggest word of advice I can give with social media. Right now, trending and having the best reel is something people are constantly trying to do to gain more followers. But what I have found is that you need to create content that reflects your work and your style the best you can. Don’t create something just because it is popular right now. Trends come and they go, and very quickly I might add. So make sure what you are sharing with people is something that you would stand by for the test of time.
This doesn’t mean you still can’t be savvy in your approach. For example, I create post with pictures that represent my brand BUT I do my research on what hashtags and posting time is the best for views. This is making sure that what I am putting out there is getting to the right people.
Another piece of advice for social media is use it to make connections with people and brands that are similar to yours. You would be shocked how many people are looking to collaborate with other artists via social media. Sometimes all it takes in a direct message to someone you admire, and see if they are willing to work with you. Now you might get a lot of no responses, but what if you get one or two…That’s worth it!!
Lastly, don’t take for granted your followers and their feedback. Respond to everyone you can, be genuine in your responses and appreciate them for giving you their time. So if somebody comments on your post, don’t just like it, comment back! Take the time to appreciate those who are appreciating you and your work.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Being business savvy is not the easiest thing for creatives. We have tons of ideas, but how to we hone those into successful business plans? My answer lately has been studying successful brands around me on social media, and listening to podcasts while painting or in my down time.
In regards to social media, I have a big list of people I admire. One of them being the amazing Leanne Ford. I have studied her career, website, social media, books, her magazine (Feel Free) to learn more about how I can become successful. Almost a learn by example approach. This has helped A LOT and has given me ideas on how to get my artwork to more people.
My other approach to learning business techniques is by listening to podcasts and reading books. One of my favorite podcasts to listen to is by Lewis Howes called The School of Greatness. I love hearing advice from other successful business owners and learning how they jump started their career. He also has a book, called The School of Greatness that is an easy read and is full of inspiration for those who might feel stuck in life or in their career. Some other great books that have helped my inspiration is Work in Progress by Leanne Ford and Steve Ford. Again another easy read and gives you a look into how they made their success and all the risks they took along the way. Lastly, if you are looking for an inspirational story, I highly advise watching The Lost Kitchen and reading Erin French’s book, Finding Freedom. Erin French is a successful business owner in Freedom, Maine but did not get there without some bumps in the road. Her story is raw, emotional, and shows how being a creative and owning a successful business can work together. I was fortunante enough to meet Erin randomly and her words of advice has stuck with me since “Follow your bliss. Don’t stop!”
Contact Info:
- Website: abbybakerdesigns.com
- Instagram: @abbybakerdesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigaileobaker/