We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Autumn Smith-hayes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Autumn below.

Autumn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

It’s the day of my graduation and student exhibition at Pennsylvania academy of fine arts and I’m feeling sick from anxiety, I been preparing for this day since junior year of college and here it is the end of my senior year. I spent Long days in my art studio and half of the time I thought I was wasting my time! My peers got a lot of feed back by their traditional oil paintings… yah know like still life’s, figures in space? Yeah that kinda stuff, and I’m just painting food and getting tilted head stares. To my surprise the dean of my school emails me letting me know my painting titled “donuts” was bought by the FMC corporation in Philadelphia. My heart sunk; I was shocked that all my long hours paid off, and that others were interested in finding the meaning behind my work. I know this story is suppose to be my first dollar earned as a creative and to say this was my first time would be a lie. I sold commission but that’s someone else’s idea in my hand, this was the first time it was solely from my mind and heart and now it’s in someone else’s home… or office.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Autumn Smith-Hayes, I’m a painter who makes body-positive and Sex-positive art. I been making art since I was a child, I loved to draw up until my freshman year of high school where a teacher introduced me to oil painting. From there I feel in love.. the way I made my drawings come alive and show emotion through color amazed me. I went to a magnet high school specialized fine arts, from there I was heavily encouraged to pursue art as not only a hobby but a career so I choose to attend Delaware College of Art & Design for my associates in fine arts and from there I achieved my BFA at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 2020.

I grew up in a world were I was heavily critiqued on what I looked liked or what I had on my plate so I chose my subject matter to be food to take my power back, my art is a symbol and expression of femininity, sexuality and nostalgia. My goal is for my viewers to feel confident in their own skin, pushed to make bold statements, and to take inspiration.

In my free time I enjoy cooking and traveling while showcasing my work in other states. When I’m not painting food I paint portrait commissions, design sticker’s and illustrate books.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I networked more with other artist in my early creative journey. Being around like-minded individuals motivated me to reach new heights and try different creative methods. Networking helped me get into different art spaces and grow as an artist, I’ve even gained more clientele. Connecting with other artist helps you build new ideas, get more exposure and constructive criticism. Try to join art communities or attend artsy events and socialize with as many creatives as you can and follow up with them on social media.

Other resources I wish I dabbled into earlier in my creative journey would have to be open call websites and books on managing businesses. There are social media pages and websites that list scholarships and gallery openings for new and emerging artist. Always be on the look out for more ways to get your work exposed, selling art is owning a business and like every good business wo(man) you should seek information on how to grow and maintain your business.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing my work touch someone’s soul, watching people become moved emotionally while they look at my art is what drives me to keep going. I feel pride when I finish a painting, I feel accomplished when I inspire another creative to think outside the box. Art is my way of sharing my perspective, it helps me connect with my self and add beauty to the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.autumnhayesart.store/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnhayesart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Autumnhayesart
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ0GYIFBzGh2YXkf-wZzXQA

Image Credits
‘Donuts’ – oil on canvas 20×30” (sold to theFMC tower in Philadelphia) ‘Tomatoes’ -oil on round canvas 6” ‘I am a Gummy Bear!’ – oil on wood panel (sold) ‘Avocado’ – oil on round canvas 6” ‘She’s my Cherry pie’- oil on wood panel ‘Red delicious’- oil on round canvas 3” (sold) ‘Surreal Cereal’- mix media on canvas 9×12”