We were lucky to catch up with Atlanta Carrera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Atlanta, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Initially, I would tell people I was self-taught in art, but looking back on it now, I think watching The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross on television was my introduction to the world of painting. I was amazed at how quickly he could produce a painting with the right brush, and even now, I often refer to my own technique as “speed painting.”

I attempted my first painting when my oldest daughter was in middle school and needed a family member to also paint something in order to enter the two pieces in the Family Art show at her school. One of my sisters was an artist, so during our weekly lunches, I would bring my painting and get tips from her on what to do next.

After that, I was hooked. I would spend any spare time I had on weekends or vacations just trying to paint a little something. Since finding time was my biggest deterrent, I would work art into my lifestyle: drawing and painting while watching television, searching for YouTube videos while on my exercise bike, and planning what art projects to bring on family vacations.

At first, my approach was simply trial and error. The more I painted, the better I got. For me, it all starts with a concept and a sketch. The better I was at sketching, the better my art pieces turned out.

Later, I re-enrolled in college (after a 38 year hiatus), to pursue a degree in Studio Art. By taking a minimal course load, I was simultaneously able to build my art business and open my art studio. With every art class I took, I expanded my artwork series, built on my product offerings, and sold my classwork pieces as I went along.

I consider myself a lifelong learner and plan to seek out a Master of Arts program next. Being in school keeps me connected, keeps me energized and constantly improves my craft.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Art is not just what I do; it is who I am. My name is Atlanta Carrera, and my business is Atlanta’s, ART. I love to create pieces that are bright and whimsical and imaginative and even thought provoking. Whether I am trying to express my spirituality, or a connection to a person I’ve met or to a place I’ve been, my art always speaks about the inner relationship I have to the world around me.

A teacher once told me that to be an artist is to be vulnerable because you are putting a piece of yourself out there. Allowing yourself not to be defensive or guarded in your work enables you to explore more opportunities and to keep going in your own direction.

My journey started with a blog of my art and poetry, Facebook, Linked-In, Instagram, business cards and a website. I then began by connecting with local charities for fundraisers. I would offer the use of my art in fundraising media, give art prints away for donation events, and set up art booths at community events. I would go to local establishments, which I frequented, and worked out deals for them to display my art at their business with my purchase information. I joined art communities and exhibited at local shows. The idea was to just get my name out there where people could see it and pursue opportunities to display my work.

When I opened my studio, I knew I wanted to have my art serve me instead of me serving my art. I set up a self-serve checkout so that I didn’t have to be physically present to sell my art. I rented out studio spaces to other disciplines to help offset expenses and bring in foot traffic. I brought customers in through planned craft nights, special events, and renting out the studio to outside groups for meetings and workshops. I joined a networking group of other female business executives, and we eventually formed our own marketing group that meets at my studio every week.

I love exploring different mediums such as acrylics, watercolors, colored pencils, pastels, alcohol inks, acrylic pours, and digital illustration. Products are created using sublimation printing and laser engraving. At our studio, we offer opportunities for group classes, individual instruction, painting parties, and social gatherings in a relaxed and positive environment.

Sometimes, I pair my art with my poetry to explore where the art piece can take us. Sometimes those poems become a song I might share. Sometimes my art becomes a story a want to tell. I want to publish books of my art, poetry, and children’s stories, and start a video podcast series of Atlanta’s ART Talks. I love being my own boss so that whatever direction I go in, it’s on my terms and at my pace.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The biggest impact that changed the direction of my life was my husband’s diagnosis of early onset dementia at age 50 and his passing away 8 years later. Even with incredible family support, I still felt utterly gutted and alone. I found solace in my art and poetry. It was my therapy and my companion. It saved me.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

What I discovered is the only thing that holds you back is when you stop looking for solutions. I had to find ways to work around my health issues: the right chair, seat cushions, and lumbar support for my fractured spine, using smaller canvases and a flat workspace for my torn rotator cuff issues, setting up better lighting to offset my cataracts forming, buying better tools to accommodate the arthritis in my hands, getting a rolling bag to carry art supplies, securing a handicap placard, and making time for exercise and physical therapies.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People want you to succeed.

What spurs me to action and helps me focus on what’s most important is my more recent diagnosis of CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). Rather than brood over my circumstances, I channel my energy into what I can accomplish today and what legacy I want to leave. I have streamlined my business, cleared out the clutter, refocused my goals, and adjusted my timelines.

Most importantly, I am mindful of the role my inner circle plays in my life. I always want to surround myself with people who lift me up and inspire me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atlantasart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AtlantasARTStudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantasArt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atlanta-carrera-46b8b530/