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

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first dollar I earned as a creative would have to be back in high school. There was a time when I would go to church every Sunday, and the youth of that church knew I was an artist. The pastors son was dating one of the other youth members at the time, and they’ve been dating for years, He came to me and asked me to make a couples portrait as an anniversary present to his now former girlfriend. I remember drawing everything out in pencil and using blue colored pencils to add a little something something to make it pop. I made about 50 bucks.

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.

I am an Afro-Latina of Haitian descent, born in New York, raised in Connecticut. I am an artist that once never used color in my work, now that’s all that I use. I am a very introspective and reserved person, until you get to know me. I enjoy nature and believe that there are numerous ways we are connected. I believe some of my work demonstrates that idea in a very surrealistic way. I first got into painting after I took a color theory class, which also got me into using as much color as I can with my work. I was always creative though. I have memories of making bracelets at 7yrs old and skipping one club for arts n crafts after school, and even dropping a lunch period to squeeze in Art classes for the remainder of my high school years.
The work that I produce and provide are; Original Paintings, Murals, chalkboard art, Logo designs, Tattoo Designs, Portraiture, etc. This year I’ve been exploring clay and resin more. I’ve made incense holders and ashtrays, and I am currently making a lamp, and have many more projects to materialize.
Most of what I create is based off of my original paintings. I think I take direction pretty well, and I think sets me apart is that fact that I am willing to push a little further and I am not afraid of taking ‘calculated’ risks. My work always leaves the client satisfied. I definitely think my creative direction is a strong suit, because even if an idea is start to fall through I believe that I’m able to use my intuition to logically save the project. (A bit contradictory but intuition is a big part of a creative process)
I am most proud of my tenacity to keep doing what intrigues me and making art that I want to see. And even to purposely put place myself in front of my fears, only to come out alive and with a different set of eyes.
I want my future clients to know that together we will make magic(especially if you’re open-minded and serious about collaborating and merging ideas to create something so unique) And for my potential followers/supporters, just know that there is sooo much more to create. And as much as I am doing this for me, you are very much a part of the journey too. As the receiver and I am the giver. (And Vice versa.)

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

Although I am all for artists receiving money for our work in many forms, after learning about how NFTs actually does more harm to our planet, I am not a supporter. It’s almost as of it’s damaging the idea of the physical world. Real life artwork, done by real life hands, and our very real Earth. This definitely ties into the fast advancement of our technology. Meta verse, virtual worlds, virtual currency, AI everything, etc. I think there are also risks of fraud/plagiarism. I think it’s best to keep art interpersonal. This is a loaded question. Hopefully I answered to your comprehension.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I honestly wish I knew more about artists grants, Artist fellowships, and artist residences. And how to effectively apply to each of them. And their potential to accelerate and expand our careers, projects, and practices.

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTPS://iamashleythecreator.wixsite.com.home
• Instagram: @ashley.thecreator