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

Alright, Beth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I am a full-time artist/maker, earning my living from my creative work in fine art and artisan craft work. Before I went full time, I spent about 4 years ramping up to go full-time. This included learning and honing various skills, acquiring equipment and supplies, reacquainting myself with Etsy, building a social media presence and branding, getting set up for and doing in person markets, setting up my business, and financially maneuvering myself to take the leap by paying off all debt, accruing savings, and moving to an area with a lower cost of living. It was the scariest move I ever made, leaving a very secure profession (teaching) for one with no guaranteed paycheck, and moving across country from Dallas, TX to upstate NY. It was the best move I’ve ever made, and wish I’d had the courage to do so earlier in life. Don’t get me wrong, it’s the hardest I’ve ever worked, and a constant juggling act, but it’s joyful work that I’m deeply satisfied doing.

The pandemic was a catalyst for change for me. Realizing how short life can be, I asked myself why I wasn’t following my dream of being a full-time artist/maker. It flipped the switch for me; I became more afraid of not living my dream than I was of taking the risk. If I could do it all over again, I’d make this jump much earlier in life. Taking the risk, coupled with hard work and getting out of my comfort zone to go for various opportunities, was definitely worth it.

My income wasn’t a livable one for the first few years and it was stressful. I kept planting seeds for a longer, more sustainable income, and working hard and trusting in myself. I reminded myself often of the growth I was seeing. Over time I went from not knowing if I could make my living and business expenses for the month, to knowing I had them covered for 2 months, to 3 months, then 4 months, then 6 months+. At one point, I picked up a part time job for 8 months to relieve the stress, but after 8 months became so busy that I went full-time again.

Milestones for me were seeing that I was covered financially for the rest of the year at one point. It was evidence that what I was doing was working. Another milestone was getting my first royalty check from book illustration work. It showed me that long term seeds I planted were bearing fruit. And a last milestone was being awarded a good size grant. It showed me that I can trust in myself, my ideas, and my work.

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?

I am a contemporary visual artist and maker that splits my time between Upstate NY and North Carolina. As a full-time artist/maker I wear a lot of hats. I own and operate Waterbird Arts, where I sell artisan jewelry that I make, prints of my original pen and ink drawings, and stickers made from my book illustrations. I just finished illustrating my 3rd book for children tied to Cherokee culture. The first 2 are available from the publisher Native Voices, and on Amazon. I teach community arts classes in jewelry, basketry, and collage. I also work as a teaching assistant from time to time at The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass as part of my experience in learning to work with and practice working with glass as a material in various capacities. I enjoy exhibiting fine art and jewelry and show as often as I can. I also love vending at Art markets, especially Native Art markets.

A Cherokee Nation citizen, my work is influenced by culture, love of materials and handmade objects, as well as my relationship with nature. I hold a BFA in Sculpture from Stephen F. Austin State University and work in small metals, illustration, glass, beadwork, and basketry. I am TERO certified with Cherokee Nation, registered with the US Department of Interior’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and a Southeastern Indian Artists Association board member and social media chair.

I’m driven by a love of materials, handcrafted objects, culture, and nature. At the intersection of these is usually where you’ll find me.

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

When I first began my journey, I knew of zero resources. I started with watching artist talks on YouTube and listening to various podcasts about Art, Art making, Art business, jewelry making, Etsy selling, and culture. From there I joined an Artist’s association. Being around and sharing community with other artists, I was incredibly inspired and learned about opportunities and resources. When I moved to a new area, I joined a Facebook group for vendors. At various markets I began to network with other Artists and form and cultivate friendships. I’ve found many Artists to be wonderfully open and happy to share. This is where I began to learn about the best local markets and festivals at which to vend and how to navigate local business and Art ways. I learned of various local Art organizations, which help provide education, exhibition opportunities, and distribute grant funding. Showing up at events and shows is vital to forming relationships. I’ve been introduced to people that I ended up working with on projects I never dreamed I’d be a part of. I wish I’d known earlier to join local, regional, and national associations and groups and to just get out there and show up. I’m a bit shy, so pushing through that discomfort to put myself out there was quite a challenge. It got easier the more I did it and I feel like it’s really paid off. I have some wonderful friendships and relationships with meaningful organizations as a result of it.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an Artist/Maker is living my life in an authentic, purposeful way. Once I stepped into my purpose completely, and showed up and worked hard, life as an Artist began to open up. I give others a tie to culture and to the land through art and craft. I advocate for the land, for plants, and animals through my work. I mentor other artists, whether it be in technique, process, supplies, or in business aspects. I love helping others in these ways. There is literally nothing that I would be happier doing. I’m extremely grateful to be living my dream.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterbirdarts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterBirdArts
• Other: Etsy:
  https://waterbirdarts.etsy.com

Image Credits

Beth Anderson