We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arowyn Bailey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Arowyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be in a creative field. I’ve done just about any creative project I could get my hands on. There was nothing I wanted more than to make a living off my art, but like most people, that got pushed back once I entered my adult life and needed to focus on bills more than what interested me. I worked several food service jobs in my rural home town and I found that my neurodivergent mind did not conform well with the environment a “normal” job fostered. Desperate for any hope in finding a job I’d enjoy, I started making my art again while working a fast food job. My necklace friends I made started off as a silly thing I thought no one would care for, and then rather quickly turned into a job that supported me and allowed me to find like-minded people. Like a lot of people I know, I physically and mentally cannot thrive working a stereotypical job. Because of this, I am so unbelievably thankful I’m able to focus on art. I genuinely cannot thank everyone that has supported me enough. My community has changed my life and I am so glad I have a platform to support other artists and creatives as well.
Arowyn, 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?
Hi, I am Arowyn aka Quibble The Clown from ArowynsRealm! I make wearable art and clown themed jewelry and collectibles. My main goal is to spread silliness and joy by sharing my personality filled handmade friends that are either pocket sized or wearable so you can bring them anywhere! Although I’m a life long artist, around 5 years ago was when the first necklace friend was born. I wanted something wearable that felt like its own person, because as someone with anxiety I loved the thought of a “wearable friend” that I could take anywhere to make me feel less alone. As time went on I implemented my special interest (clowns) into my business, as I feel they are the perfect representation of the non-serious, friendly nature I try to embrace and spread. I do lots of different art forms, but I mainly specialize in clay jewelry, and my most popular type of friend, my tiny clay puppets. I also am slowly starting my own merch line where I collab with other small artists! Whether it’s silicone clown babies, puppets, graphic tees, or bolo ties, ArowynsRealm will have you covered! All of my work is filled with the childlike wonder we all cherish. Feel like a kid again with an ArowynsRealm friend!
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Firstly, I think a lot of people outside of the creative field don’t understand that only a small portion of creative jobs involve the creativity part. We’re still running our own businesses, and that includes a lot of time and energy put into the technicalities. The past 4 years I’ve taught myself marketing, time management, finances, customer service, and a lot of other necessities. I feel like art isn’t taken as seriously as most professions because the main thing you see is the creativity and passion, not the behind the scenes. I love my job and there’s nothing I’d rather be doing, but it definitely has its serious moments. Secondly, on top of all that, I have watched so many artists recently have to work twice as hard just to keep up with the AI boom. If we don’t see creative fields as equal to other jobs they are going to continue to be overlooked and replaced. Art is important and necessary. Support and listen to real artists, please don’t use generative AI.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I love being apart of a community that accepts diversity. Because we all are creative we usually don’t have a problem living and learning outside the box. Being in a creative space allows everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. I love being able to spread that through my work and every day life. Nothing feels more satisfying that being able to share others art and them share mine. The community that surrounds my business is nothing less than amazing and kind and I love being apart of it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ArowynsRealm.com
- Instagram: @ArowynsRealm
- Other: TikTok – @ArowynsRealm
