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

Bebe, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I had a “regular” job (though I bristle at this term) for years as an elementary school teacher. While I enjoyed it and found it rewarding, it was a tough job and it took it’s toll on my body. At the end of every day, my voice was hoarse and my throat hurt from a full day of talking. I was constantly sick with a cold or flu or strep. People said I’d develop an immunity, but I never did and from the start of school in September until school let out for summer, I was sick. Summer was such a refreshing time because I felt healthy.

I finally decided to leave teaching and go back to school to become a graphic designer, which morphed into my current career as an artist. I went years without a cold! It was glorious!

As a graphic designer, I had control of my schedule and I really appreciated that flexibility. I enjoyed the quiet and solitude. To be creative and artistic was so much fun! I had the spark back that I had as a child who loved to draw. I had extra time and energy, so I began creating art on the side, just for the love of it. And of course, that love was what got me on track to become a full time artist and leave the graphic design behind.

I look back on my time as a teacher with fondness, but I would never go back. I love being an artist and wouldn’t trade it for the world!

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.

As an artist, I have done a lot of public art, mostly for the healthcare industry. I have artwork in hospitals and clinics across the country from Minnesota to Texas and from Los Angeles to Boston. My public art grew in physical size from stained glass mosaics that hang on the wall to working with fabricators and designing suspended glass sculptures and sprawling terrazzo floors.

I have also published books with my illustrations, I work with galleries, I license my work, and I offer online classes. I have worked in a variety of media and I’m constantly inspired! I can safely say that I love not knowing what I’ll be doing next – I am enjoying the journey. Life is too short to do all of the things I want to do!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Sometimes when I’m working, I am suddenly aware that I am smiling. Doing what I do simply makes me happy. It’s not the best paying job. Sometimes it’s hard not to take a sales slump personally. But when I am creating, I am happy! I long ago decided that being happy is Life Requirement #1. I’m fortunate in many ways and I don’t want for food or shelter. I have a good, satisfying life and I’m grateful.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

People ask me what I do and I say “I’m an artist” and they will sometimes say “Yeah, so not a real job, then?” They assume that being an artist is some sort of hobby. You can be sure that dentists, construction workers and pilots are never told that they don’t work at a “real” job. Being an artist is hard work. We hustle our work, we hustle for individual projects, we are bent over our art panels creating, doing shows, carting pieces to galleries, maintaining a website, and the millions of other things our REAL job entails. We are very busy as makers and deserve respect. All of that being said, I love my job and can’t wait to get to work every day!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bebekeith.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bebekeithdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bebekeithdesigns
• Other: Online classes: https://www.udemy.com/user/bebe-keith/