Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Perkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Reflecting on my journey, I find myself not wishing I could have done things differently, but being curious on where I could be now. I was an art major in college, however, upon graduation I found myself veering into the hospitality industry, working on cruise ships and in hotels for several years. While this detour was unexpected, it provided valuable experiences and insights.

The realization of my true passion came to me later, about four years ago, when I finally rekindled a regular art practice. Since then, I have witnessed tremendous growth and development within myself, both artistically and personally.

Despite the delay, I am content with the path I’ve taken. Each step has led me closer to realizing my passion, and I am eager to continue exploring and expanding my artistic journey, knowing that I am only beginning to scratch the surface of what I can achieve.

Ashley, 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?

Only a few years ago, I committed to honing my craft consistently. It all began with my participation in the social media event “Inktober,” which introduced me to the medium of ink, sparking my subsequent exploration. Initially, I delved into drawing subjects from pop culture, gradually transitioning to developing my own concepts and ideas.

This journey led me through an ongoing experimental phase where I eagerly embraced various artistic mediums—from colored pencils and printmaking to ceramics, crochet, digital art, and weaving. Each new medium captivated me, fueling my passion for creation. “Cabinet of Ashes” serves as a reflection of my personal cabinet of curiosities.

While my earlier work tended towards moodier and darker themes, I’ve since found joy in incorporating brighter colors and exploring comical subjects. The unpredictability of my artistic expression ensures that my audience never knows what to expect. Currently, my focus lies primarily on drawing, employing colored pencils, micron pens, or digital tools. I gravitate towards subjects such as florals, pet portraits, and anything that allows for carefree mark-making.

What distinguishes my work is its refusal to be confined by a specific style or subject matter. I thrive on the spontaneity of “chasing the fun,” allowing my art style to remain fluid and ever-evolving. Catching glimpses of my style is akin to capturing a fleeting moment—you have to seize it while you can!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I am currently building a presence online and I’ll be honest, it has been a challenge. It is a battle daily on how to “please” every algorithm on every platform. Each platform is wildly different from the next and each carry their own expectations. I’ve made an attempt to “play the game” and it is draining. Use trending audio, use relevant hashtags, hashtags are dead, make reels, utilize stories, create content over 30 seconds, create content under 30 seconds, create instructional videos, write long in depth captions that force the viewer to read, use captivating titles…it’s never ending and always changing.

My advice to those starting out is to not focus on trends. Trends are fleeting. Focus on consistency. Be present. Everything is content. I wish someone would have told me to create the content that “I” want to see ages ago, so I’m sharing it with you! Do not force growth. Be consistent and post regularly, let that be the focus and your work will speak for itself.

Another piece of advice is to not measure your worth based on social media engagement. Be ok with the idea that your work isn’t for everyone. Not every one will like your work, not every platform will push out your content. Do it anyway.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that not everything needs to be aesthetically pleasing. When I first started my art journey , all advice I heard stated that I need to find my “niche” and stick to it. If I make work that bright and colorful, it all needs to fit into that theme.

I don’t believe that’s the case. As artist, we are forever changing. My style changes depending on what materials I’m using. If I am using micron pen, my mark making tends to be very chaotic. If I am using colored pencil, my drawings tend to be really soft and I go for more vivid colors. If I am making digital art, my work leans towards being more cartoony and illustrative. My style varies based on my mood. I had to unlearn staying in my lane, that it’s ok to experiment.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @cabinetofashes
• Youtube: @cabinetofashes