We caught up with the brilliant and insightful April Priism a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

April, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I was born with the innate knowing that I wanted to create: That art was my calling. Growing up I strove to learn more about creative processes and excelled in the creative field. As I entered adulthood I was dependent on working a full-time job in a restaurant to take care of my bills and expenses. This went on for a decade. I would still create in my off time which became less and less due to the workload that was necessary to survive. In 2018 I dedicated my energy to accomplishing my life dream, becoming financially dependent as a creative. I chose against art school, and chose to experience travelling the country. At this point, I was starting at square one. I limited my availability to a ‘normal job’ and devoted more time to developing my portfolio to be presentable to my audience. I attended concerts and festivals, presenting my art as a live-artist, painting in front of my audience. I began feeling closer to achieving my dream, just being able to create and be amongst creatives was exhilarating. I received critism and feedback from viewers that stimulated my mind to a focused center of creative living. One day a viewer approached me as I painted and suggested a pursuit in tattoo. This was a new idea to me, and I took it to heart. Even though I mostly painted, I had always had an affinity for ink drawing. I put together a portfolio, and started the interview process at local tattoo shops. After searching around, and discussing the idea with friends, I was lead to a new shop that was opening in the next couple of months. A friend got mine got me in contact with the owner of Buddha Brother Ink and the connection was made. I began tattooing in February and have been able to make a livable wage working as a creative. Painting is still something I enjoy doing, I still attend festivals to live paint. Now, I spend time around creatives, learning a new skill that I flourish within. Working with clients to create their visual ideas into reality. I find myself waking up, living my dream, paying bills with my art. This is the most rewarding feeling I’ve ever had. It took years to get to this point. Piles of failures, trials, and a dedication to my craft.

April, 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 am an independent, self-taught artist, native to Atlanta. During travel in my twenties, I developed the idea of Priism which would become my artistic vision. I wanted to present the way I experience and view the world to my audience. The way I see nature moving and evolving. My art captures the ethereal qualities hidden in the matrix of the world. I use movement and line as the main components of my work. After the birth of my son in 2018, I felt it necessary to accomplish my goal of being financially dependent as a creative. I wanted to show him that you can live a passionate life doing what you love and make it sustainable. I painted for 5 years as a live-artist at festivals and concerts. Presenting my art in local galleries, and working with creative groups to showcase murals. I now tattoo out of Buddha Brother Ink in Woodstock along with continuing to paint at South-Eastern festivals. I enjoy the community of creatives in the South that help support and inspire my creative processes. As a tattoo artist, I work hand in hand with my clients to create original works of art that I am able to permanently place on their bodies. I strive to make each piece a one-of-a-kind work that is unique to each person. I enjoy getting to know my clients and collaborating with their pre-existing ideas to achieve a tattoo that they will admire for years to come.
Tattoo is unique in the fact that they are permanent. Working in this field is challenging and rewarding at the same time. I am constantly learning new techniques and skills through this craft. Which then transcends into my paintings and drawings.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is feeling like I’m living an authentic life. Aligned with my passions and the way I experience the world. I have the ability to express myself in a myriad of mediums. Whether painting, drawing, or tattooing I have the opportunity to use skills I’ve gathered and worked to learn in order to create visual representations for my viewers to enjoy. Ultimately, my art is sustained through my expression being a source for others to express themselves.

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

As I became dedicated to a pursuit in the creative fields, I was constantly met with challenges. I worked a multitude of events, presenting my art: Galleries, local art collectives, boutique shops, art fairs, etc. Many times I wouldn’t even make a sale. I felt like I wasn’t going to be able to make a living as a self-taught artist. This never discouraged me from achieving my goal. I wanted to make a lifestyle that is based around art. I kept applying, I kept putting my art out there for any audience to view. I began tattooing and made mistakes, I failed, and failed again. But I woke up every day, devoted to my pursuit as a creative. This was more than just making art, it’s my passion. It’s a part of my makeup as an individual, my story and who I identify as. I started everyday asking questions, communicating my goals, ideas and inspiration. As I told my story, more opportunities opened for me. I took critism of my mentors, I thirsted for the knowledge of how I can better my creative process. Every time I picked up a medium, I applied those lessons. As days, weeks, months, and years past I knew I would be able to live my dream. Through dedication and consistency I am making strides into the professional art world. Expressing myself, and sharing my art with my viewers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.priismart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priism.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/priism.art
• Other: https://www.buddhabrotherink.com/