We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bailey McVicker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Bailey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

This past year I was in my first ever art gallery in my hometown. The gallery was also brand new, so I was fortunate enough to be one of the first artist in there, On our opening day, we had a big show with artists, music, food, drinks, etc. It was so exciting, but of course I was nervous. Since I am still new, I still have another job working in a local restaurant. One of my coworkers, who I consider my “work dad”, showed up at our opening day event! I have known him for 5 years, since I started working in the restaurant and since I talked about wanting to be an artist. He was so proud of me that he cried!
He then told me that he wanted to be even more supportive, so he bought one of my art prints that I had for sale! It made my whole day, and everyone was so happy for me. He posted it online, and shared with others how cool it was to experience. I will never forget him being my very first buyer, and I am lucky to have him in my life!

Bailey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a 21 year old artist from Lake Havasu City, Arizona. I have always had a fascination for art of all kinds, but my passion really grew when I entered high school. I quickly learned that I wanted to make a career in the arts, no matter what it takes. After high school, I started my college career at Northern Arizona University. After many tries, and changing my major 3 times, I made the leap of faith to leave college to chase my dream of becoming a full time artist.

Since then, I have been working towards that goal every day. Art by Bailey McVicker became official in September 2022, and my passion of sharing my creations and stories with the world only continues to grow. I can’t wait to continue to share little pieces of my creative soul in all of my future painting endeavors.

Inspired by the real and raw human experience- emotions, life, death, and all the beauty in between.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, I find it most rewarding when I know that my art has truly reached someone’s heart. I use my art to tell stories and connect with others, so when I see someone understand the story and meaning behind a piece it makes me really happy.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had to pivot at the very start of my art career. I was in college, I had changed my major three times, and I wasn’t happy. I knew that my life was missing something, I knew that I was not supposed to be in school and that I was supposed to be creating. The day I left college, my apartment, my friends, and my job behind to finally chase my dream was the day I knew I was finally on the right path.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @artbybaileymcvicker
• Facebook: Art by Bailey McVicker

Image Credits
Brooke Bahde Photography