Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Artysta LuLu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Artysta, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Prior to my transition into being a full-time Artist, I worked in “Corporate America”. I worked for a University and April 1 st of 2016 my department was downsized and so I was part of a large layoff. All of my ex coworkers were preparing for other jobs, applying and interviewing and I decided to not rush into anything out of fear. I had been fortunate enough to have saved up some money and I knew I wanted to get a job that I would be happy with, not just to satisfy my obligations.
All the while, I have been pouring my extra time into my art, so much so, that by the time I was laid off, I was already selling my art via a Co-op Gallery that was located in Ybor City, as well as vending at art shows and other events.
Since I now had some time on my hands, I decided to fill up my calendar with vending opportunities. I had to do something to earn money anyways, why not fall back on my “second job” aka my passion and dream career? The wild part was I immediately met with success. I was selling prints and paintings little by little, sometimes big unexpected sales would happen. It was like a sign from a higher power telling me this was the right path!
My boyfriend at the time (who is now my husband) was a full time street performer at the time, performing at various festivals around the continent and in Clearwater, he knew better than anyone what it’s like to have a career where all of your income is tip based, much like an artist, where you earn by the sale, not the hour. He was my number one supporter and backed me up 100%. Even in those in between times when sales thinned out or the gallery closed down, he supported my pursuit always!
It’s now been 7 years and the amount of knowledge and evolution I’ve gone through has gotten me to where I am today, so I don’t want anyone thinking that I’m saying “quit your job and just sell art”. What Im saying is “it’s absolutely possible. It’s hard work, but you are fully capable. Come up with a business plan. Get organized. Stay learning, and never compare yourself to another artist or creative. Be original, be yourself. And believe in yourself!”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a visual artist, painter, muralist, illustrator and public speaker. I create Fine Art via 2&3D paintings, large-scale murals, apparel, home gifts & accessories, and I’ve illustrated children’s books. I also speak publicly to schools and corporations; I’ve spoken for Tedx St. Pete.
I’m most proud of my overall style. Despite many criticisms from “high end art spaces” from early in my career to now, I have remained true to my own style and expression. I know that my art has a primitive or child-like style, some people have called it urban or simplistic, and maybe it’s all of that, but I am intentional in the way I illustrate my characters. I mostly freestyle characters using pen and marker so every line choice is permanent and any mistake becomes an opportunity to adapt to my choices.
I mostly want people to know that my art is made with the best intentions and that I hope my artworks add a positive energy to any space they occupy. That every person who has invested in my artwork has contributed to my ability to continue creating and sharing this gift with the world!
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
I believe that NFTs are a pyramid scheme. Unless you (the artist) are represented by an already established and well backed organization, then you will lose your money on your investment in just minting. Did you know when you mint an NFT that you’re given a time limit to sell your NFT or your mint expires? If you didn’t know that, that’s because they don’t tell you that. If your wallet (bank account that transfers your dollar into etherium) does not have enough money to pay for the “gas” required to mint your NFT, then you will lose all of your money to the gas that wasn’t enough to pay for the mint (even when you choose how much to pay on gas).
There is no way to get your money back by the way because there are no protections in place for consumers/artists.
Everyone tells you to sell your art as an NFT but how many people actually BUY NFTs?!
I’ve begun asking every person who suggested I sell NFTs if they owned any and I have yet to meet one person who buys NFTs.
Everything mentioned regarding NFTs is from my personal expensive experience. The idea is great, but none of it seems legit to me, unless you know someone who can prove to me that they actually own an NFT.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
STOP supporting AI “Art”! As is, the companies that have created these technologies are “harvesting” digital images of copyrighted intellectual property (art). If they were only utilizing artworks that were Creative Commons or if they licensed artwork from artists then I’d say, cool! But they are stealing likely millions of artworks from working artists like myself, and everyone is like , “yeah but look how pretty it makes me!”
Stop using AI art creation apps and programs until this issue is resolved, you will be helping out the artists you know and love!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artystalulu.com
- Instagram: @ArtystaLuLu
- Facebook: Facebook.com/artystalulu
- Twitter: @ArtystaLuLu
- Youtube: YouTube.com/Artystalulu
- Other: Lina app.com/artystalulu
Image Credits
Luisa “LuLu” Padro-Bonano