We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber Brewer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amber below.

Amber, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Being an artist has brought me lots of happiness! Some of my favorite memories I’ve had involved art in one way or another. But there have been many times where I would wonder what it would be like to have a “regular job”. When I was in college studying illustration, my homework would be drawing while I had other friends studying for psychology exams or working office jobs. It made me think, is this really what I’m stressing over? Drawing? In my opinion, becoming a successful artist can be more challenging than having a traditional job because there is no dedicated life path to becoming an artist, or normal work hours. I’m sure many other artists can relate to wanting a set working time, but some might even like the leniency. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to just have a 9-5 job where the hours are set and your schedule is picked for you, but I like that I can be able to choose my own time or work from home before bed.

I’ve also had the worry about financial instability when it comes to being a full time artist. Without getting health benefits from working for a company or being on your parents insurance is a scary thought! Because of this, I think it’s important to have multiple forms of income as an artist especially if work is not always guaranteed while doing freelance. I think it’s also okay to have a “regular job” while being an artist to support yourself. Even if I did have a normal 9-5 job I couldn’t see myself not doing art and being creative; it’s what makes me happy and I really enjoy sharing that with others!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Amber Brewer, an artist and illustrator! I’ve always been creative since I was a kid and have gravitated towards everything involving art. In elementary school I would make my mom sign me up for all the arts and crafts programs at my local library, when I was in highschool I took as many art classes as my schedule would allow, and I did lots of after school art programs. When it was time to figure out where I wanted to go to college, I knew I was going to go to art school. I learned so much about art by majoring in illustration in college, and have done many different types of projects with many different mediums. I took photography, jewelry, art history, sculpture, animation along with my drawing and painting illustration classes. I’ve worked at a few different art related studios during this time and have also learned a lot from there too. Since then, I’ve been working on commissions, murals, collaborative projects with other illustrators, vending at art markets, and maintaining my online Etsy shop where I sell stickers, art prints, magnets, zines and other art related items. My work focuses on nature and animals with lots of warm bright colors. I put a lot of pride into the research that I do with my projects. For example, if I’m creating an informative zine, I like to make sure that all the information that I’m putting out there is correct. I’m also proud of my attention to detail and that my products I’m selling are good quality! Since my stickers and other creations are all handmade, I believe that I have come a long way and have learned so much from trial and error. I’m always willing to try something again if it didn’t come out right.

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.

In my experience, non-creatives find it hard to understand all the work that goes into art. Oftentimes I’m working on an project, (or even a concept for a new project) for a while before it’s finished. I try to plan out my work with written ideas and sketches before I start something new which can take a few tries to get the composition and colors right. I think that people also have a hard time understanding why items are priced the way they are and how long things take to make. Artists are not machines in a factory or some AI generator. Lots of people expect things to be done quickly since it’s so easy to search for something online rather than have it be handmade by a real artist. I find that it’s been hard for me to learn how to price my work because of this as well. For example, when I make handmade magnets, if I were to charge per hour for all the work that goes into them, they would probably be priced over $30 for just one magnet, which I’m not sure if people would buy. But when it comes to my illustration work, I find that I can work with clients about their budget and see what we can do to meet in the middle. Overall, when I explain all the work that goes into a project to people they tend to get a better understanding of pricing and can appreciate it more.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think society can support artists by pushing smaller creatives online and shopping from small businesses. If people were able to have easier access to artists, I think a lot more people would be willing to shop small. I know how easy it is to go online and shop for gifts on Amazon or from some other big corporation, but going out of the way a bit to find something handmade, and good quality makes it a lot more personal and special. I think it’s also important to be reminded that so many things we own are created by artists such as clothing, knicknacks, patterns on notebooks or bedding, carpets and so many more household items. Even if people would buy from big companies I wish they would clearly list who the artists were that created and designed those products to give them the recognition they deserve! Visiting art fairs, exhibitions, and promoting artists online are also important to help the creative ecosystem.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amberbrewerart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrewart/
• Other: Etsy- https://ambrewart.etsy.com