We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Beth Howard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Beth, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The desire to create and even to market my creations was there most of my life. As a kid I would set up tables full of art and crafts I had made and let my family “shop” them. I would keep track of what I made and sold in folders in a Lisa Frank trapper keeper. Because so often society says that art isn’t a real job, though, I was in college before it really struck me that art could be my day job and not just a passion.
Beth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In my day job, I am lucky to put in my time as a graphic designer for Texas Woman’s University. I work for Design Services for Student Life and help students connect with experiences, events, and clubs that help them make the most of their college experience. It means a lot to me to help the next generation find their path the same way TWU helped me find mine.
My creative work with Wilde Designs lets me explore everything else.
As a life-long creative, the thing that took the most time for me was to realize that it’s okay to love everything. While I have pursued education and full time employment in graphic design, that doesn’t mean I can’t also enjoy resin art and painting and digital illustration. The feeling and inspiration that ties everything I do together is that no matter what your age, you should celebrate the things that make you happy.
No one is ever too old to have a favorite dinosaur or to squeal with excitement because a new movie they love is being released. By showcasing a range of items in my shop from art to jewelry to wearables, I try to offer something that lets every individual possess art that recalls what they love the most.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
The main resource I wish I had made better use of earlier is simply other creatives. For many years, I let imposter syndrome tell me that I wasn’t good enough. It kept me from applying for craft fairs and sticking my neck out to tell anyone what I did. Even when I started selling online, I never felt that I was “good enough” to be one of the talented creatives I saw lining the stalls of artist alleys.
Thankfully I had friends who saw that in me even when I didn’t. No one knows everything or can do everything, but there’s a huge creative community out there. I’m grateful to every one of my friends and acquaintances both online and in person who embrace the mentality of community over competition.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
There are two kinds of moments that keep me going even when I’m feeling tired or burned out or uninspired. One is experiencing a piece of art – be it a painting or a movie or hearing a song – that makes me need to make something. Sometimes a visual or a sound or a feeling takes over, and you know you have to make something to express the sensation.
The second moment is when my art or creations connect with someone. Seeing someone step up to my table and spot artwork for a show that wakes up a memory of their childhood or spying a necklace that has their favorite animal on it is a wonderful feeling. It lifts me up to know that I can make something with my own two hands that brings joy to another person. The world is full of a lot of darkness sometimes. Bringing light is an experience I’m continually grateful to be capable of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildehandmade.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildegeeks
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/wildegeeks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildegeeks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE4afhm7kNDI_g_LYzp0GDw
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WildeGeeks https://tiktok.com/@wildegeeks http://www.pinterest.com/WildeGeeks
Image Credits
Photos courtesy Beth Howard and Wes Howard