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

Hi Becca, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Being a full-time artist has been the biggest financial risk I’ve taken in my life and even more so, I’ve stepped away from my graphic design & illustration business to paint and focus on my personal art and brand. I’ve turned away graphics jobs recently to fulfill my current ‘calling’ even though that means turning away immediate payment, however, the shift in this new direction feels essential to my creative well-being as an artist.

I’m originally from Fort Worth, Texas and returned to my hometown in 2020 during the pandemic after living in Denver, Colorado for 7 years. I have been living solely off of creative work since returning to Texas in 2020, I launched my graphics business, Sleepy Panther Design Co, in 2021 and I’m now entering my hot dog and corn dog era of painting. The recent shift can come across as silly or laughable and yes, it is. I am embracing the absurdity of life while empowering myself through creative work. It feels like an exciting and sometimes scary experiment because of the risk and vulnerability involved in this creative path. I am here to face challenges and trust myself to do the work that needs to be done.

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

I have been making art and music throughout my life. I studied studio art at the University of North Texas during my undergraduate studies and explored digital arts, videography, animation, comedic improv and continued creating musically with a band while living in Denver.

I’m currently focusing on what I’m calling my ‘hot dog and corn dog era’ of art and I’m making corn dog and hot dog paintings, earrings, illustrations. I’m hoping to expand my art making practices using the theme of hot dogs and corn dogs as a platform for creative exploration and experimentation.

Why hot dogs and corn dogs? These very American food items allow me to poke fun at American food, lifestyle, and themes. I come from a long line of Texans on my mother’s side of the family and from Ukrainian refugees on my father’s side so, I feel like a blend of cultures within myself, which many Americans do. The hot dog and corn dog help me provide commentary about my family heritage and assimilation to the American way of life.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Experimentation, connection, empowerment of myself & my community and fun are the main objectives.

Creativity and creative thought & energy can be inspiring. I’m hoping creativity can help connect and heal us, ultimately bringing us closer together. Creativity fuels change.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron was a wonderful read. Not only does Cameron provide creative insight and propose ideas that allow you to think “out of the box” we or others put ourselves in, she assigns you tasks to help you unblock yourself creatively. It has been majorly beneficial and I recommend it to anyone hoping to stand out of their own way creatively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beccawaugh.com
• Instagram: @beccawaugh
• Facebook: Becca Waugh

Image Credits

Portrait photography by: 325 Photography