We were lucky to catch up with Allison Poplett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally when I was in high school. Once it was time to apply for college, it made me think of the strengths and interests I had, and how I could apply them in the real world. I have always been an artist, since I was very little. Once it was time to find a school and choose a major, it made me start to think more critically about my career. I also think growing up in a time where blogging was popular influenced my decision. I remember seeing Garance Doré’s blog about being a fashion illustrator. Her life seemed so interesting and fun, and being someone who has always had an interest in fashion, I was even more drawn to her story. I found her path inspiring, and her journey planted the seed that illustration and the arts were a viable career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an artist based in Chicago, with specialties in graphic design and illustration. I take inspiration from cities like Italy and France, Matisse, nature, and create through acrylic painting or digitally via my iPad. I run a business that primarily sells products I design, such as art prints, greeting cards, hats, and stickers. I’m always trying to expand my line, and I am adding more products such as home goods and fashion to my shop. My main customers are shops all around the world, but I often sell via my online store too. I also offer freelance and custom illustration work.


I think what sets me apart is my style. It took time to develop my voice, but I’ve learned that the more you create, the more your unique perspective naturally comes through. What I’d really love people to know about my work is how much joy it brings me to create things that make others feel good. I’ve always found deep comfort and happiness in beautiful things — not in a shallow or material sense, but in the way beauty shows up in the world: in a color palette, historic architecture, or a quiet moment in nature. My work is a way of honoring those little details that make life feel richer.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

It’s hard to choose just one. Being an artist requires a lot of resilience. I lost a very coveted job in my early days as an employed artist. I had to move back home, and this was right before the pandemic started. I wasn’t happy with my work situation and through a great therapist, I was guided to start my own business as an entrepreneur. I’ve found often that when things don’t seem to be working out in life, they’re often guiding us towards a higher path, if you choose to see them that way.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That artists can’t make a living doing what they love. Art is literally everywhere- someone designed signs on the street, a t-shirt you’re wearing, or the pattern on your bedsheets. There are so many ways to be an artist, and to monetize it, if that’s what you choose to do. There are a lot of limiting beliefs out there of what you can do with your creative abilities. I think it’s important for people to know that if they have artistic skills, that it is not a dime a dozen. It’s so important to question what society tells us we can and can’t do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://apoplett.com
• Instagram: @allisonpoplett