Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Moon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amanda, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I am happy to say that I am currently working solely as an artist, and earning a living from my creative work. This has always been a dream of mine, and I did not always believe that it was possible. Like many other creative artists, I have had several different part-time jobs throughout my journey to support myself. All of these jobs have helped me get to where I am today. I have worked as a preschool teacher, art teacher, airbrush artist, therapeutic artist in addition to working as a nanny. When I first graduated from the University of Florida with my Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, I so passionately wanted to work as an artist, but I wasn’t quite sure how to monetize my degree. Fortunately, I was able to find part-time work as an art instructor at a few paint and sip companies. Although I wasn’t creating my own art nearly as often as I would have liked during that period, I would still make time for my studio practice as much as possible.
Working for other painting party companies was an invaluable experience that ignited my passion to own my own business where I could help people creatively access their own “inner artist”. Working as a preschool teacher and even as a Nanny added to my tool box of teaching skills, which I have brought with me along this beautiful journey. I parlayed those experiences into working at Shands Hospital as a therapeutic artist, working with patients to help them restore their sense of personal well-being through a creative process. Although there were many rewards associated with this job, it left me with inadequate energy and resources to pursue my goal of being a full-time artist and owning my own business.

In July of 2018, I took a leap of faith to become a full-time artist and entrepreneur. This of course did not happen overnight, and was a process that took time, persistence, focus, and motivation. I started my own mobile painting party company called Paint N’ Wine, while I worked in my studio day and night creating beautiful art pieces. My creative juices began overflowing! I remember the day I chose to” take the leap”. Although it felt scary and unknown, it also felt like my only choice, as I knew that I would not feel happy and fulfilled unless I took a chance on my dream! I resigned from my position at the hospital. Having no certainty of a paycheck coming in was a bit unsettling, but I knew I had to trust my intuition and make this work…whatever it took! I reached out to local businesses and started scheduling Paint n Wine events. I created my own website and Etsy shop. I also started participating as a vendor at art walks in addition to other art events where people could purchase my creative works. I do not think that I could have sped up this process, as every single step of the way led me to where I am today. As a full-time artist and entrepreneur, I am my own boss and create my own hours which certainly has its benefits. Although this may sound luxurious (in theory), it also means I never fully “clock out”. But you will not hear any complaints from me… I feel beyond grateful to be a fulltime artist and cannot wait to see where this journey will lead me!

Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been creating art for as long as I can remember. Since my mom is also an artist, my sister and I spent our childhood designing projects with her! My friends always left our house with an art project in hand so I learned to facilitate and bring out the “artist” we all have inside of ourselves at a young age! I feel like my most expressive and authentic self when I am painting. It just feels so natural to me… ”my happy place”.

I am the owner and creator of Paint N’ Wine, a mobile painting party company based in Jacksonville, Florida. We host painting events locally as well as in surrounding counties. Paint N’ Wine provides guests with step-by-step instruction along with all materials necessary to create a fun and unique art experience.
We can accommodate groups of any size… as many as the space will hold! In addition to canvas painting, we also offer wine glass painting, pint glass painting, Paint Your Pet, light up wine bottle painting, mandala plate painting, wreath making, kids art classes called Paint N’ Play, and face painting.

We love to host corporate team-building events, as well as Birthday parties, bridal showers, holiday celebrations, and more! Paint N’ Wine works with a variety of local businesses including breweries, bars, restaurants, apartment complexes, country clubs, and private events at homes.

My goal is to provide a nurturing and creative environment for people to fearlessly access their own inner artist; everyone has one just waiting to be set free! The process of creating has been so beneficial in my life…providing me with a sense of personal well-being as well as a way to explore and express my feelings!

It is my mission to guide people into feeling supported in a judgement-free zone so that they can really let go, have fun and express themselves.

In addition to my mobile Paint N’ Wine company, I also create whimsical resin art for home décor and hair décor too. Each item is unique and handmade with love. My work is inspired by both nature and the cosmos. Many of my pieces feature botanical elements such as dried flowers and plants. My work is also influenced by other natural forms such as crystals, and much of my work replicates the patterns of geodes.

I create a large range of items including trinket bowls, planters, soap dishes, serving trays, charcuterie boards, coasters, paintings, hair barrettes, tables, and more! In addition to participating in Artwalks and local markets, I also have an online Etsy shop www.Etsy.com/shop/amandamoonart. Having both an in-person and online platform has been amazing, and I am so grateful for the love and support from my community and clients!

I create custom works of art as well, and I love coming up with specially curated creations to match clients’ homes and personal aesthetics. My pieces make wonderful gifts for any occasion… Hostess gifts, Birthday gifts, Wedding Gifts, Holiday Gifts… the list is endless. I personally get as much joy from giving as receiving!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

What many people may not know about me as an artist is that creating fills the depths of my soul. Creativity is one of the most powerful and greatest gifts I have received, My life would feel incomplete if I chose to ignore this path that I feel is my destiny. It is not necessarily the easiest journey, but it is the only one for me. To turn this into a career has been amazing! I get to do what I love most every day!

Through my art, I can express my emotions and nurture my spirit. My inspiration comes from the beauty of nature, the cosmos, and from my own imagination. I hope my creations inspire others as well. My ideas sometimes keep me up at night but producing art also allows me to have a peaceful night’s sleep. It’s a beautiful paradox.

A lot of focus, perseverance and self-motivation is necessary to be a successful artist. It can at times feel scary and vulnerable to put yourself out there and sell your work.  Sometimes self-doubt can get in the way. However, knowing that my artwork gives me great joy helps me push through and ultimately provides happiness for others as well.

The entrepreneurial side of being an artist is the most challenging part for me. Coming from a fine arts background with little formal business or marketing training, I have had to learn the business side of things through experience and a lot of trial and error. It has taken huge leaps of faith and dives outside of my comfort zone to get to where I am today.

However, without this part of the process, no one would ever see my art!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most gratifying aspects of being an artist is sharing a piece of myself with the world.  I get to create art that goes into people’s homes and becomes an enriching part of their daily lives. Adding beauty and enjoyment to others’ lives feels incredibly fulfilling. There is nothing like the feeling of having someone connect to my art. I put a lot of time, energy, and love into all of my pieces.

Another rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to enter a state of “flow”. This is when I reach that “juicy” meditative state in my studio where the creative energy is just flowing through me. It is such a natural high! The whole world around me melts away and creating is effortless. There is nothing better!

I am my most authentic self when creating and when sharing the gift of art with others!

Contact Info:

• Website: Etsy.com/shop/AmandaMoonArt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandamoonart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaMoonArtz/
• Other: PaintNWineJax.com