We recently connected with Caitlin Maupin and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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 can proudly say now that I make a full-time living from my artwork, but it did not happen overnight. My interest in art came very early in childhood. That being said, I always envisioned a life where I could hopefully do what I loved for a living. This was the biggest question rattling in my head all throughout college. While working towards my Bachelors in Fine Art, I still wasn’t sure how my talents could be brought into work life after graduating. Then, as fate has it, I came across a Mural Contest…I decided to apply, and won! As soon as I had completed this project, I was hungry for more. Finally, a light clicked, and I knew that this was what I wanted to do for a living!

Looking back at the past few years there is so much I could say to younger me trying to find a spot for her creativity.. Knowing what I know now, here’s one piece of advice I would give- put yourself out there! You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, right?

I apply for everything, I outreach, I set goals. I want to keep looking for projects that challenge me, challenge my skills. Instead of letting your own doubt feed into the fear, switch your mindset to a more positive approach. Instead of thinking, “What if I don’t get this project…” think, “What if I DO get this dream project? And all of the connections/possibilities that could come from this?!” Life is more exciting when your glass is half full!

Caitlin, 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?

For those who don’t know me, I’m Caitlin, an Artist who specializes in Mural Work as well as Live Painting!

My mural work stems from a lifetime of painting connected with my newfound interest in graphic design. I’ve always yearned for a way that art can be included in every day life. I believe murals/public art can be a great avenue for this.

I specifically work for businesses, organizations, even communities, to create a visual piece that captures their mission or advertises their brand goal. I believe in this day and age, I company wants to feel relatable to their clientele, and this connection can happen visually.

In addition to mural painting, I have also stepped into the world of Live Painting. This means I am hired for events such as Weddings, Fundraisers, etc. I take this group event, capture that energy, and turn it into a forever painting! I believe this is a great way to introduce non creatives to fine art. There is a joy of painting in real time, as others get to watch the process of turning a blank canvas into a colorful memory to cherish forever. This is just another example of how you can easily bring art into real life moments!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

There are so many children who, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, will say, “an Artist!”, but then show up to career day as something else. Why is that? Because society has put a stigma on artistry. I want the phrase “starving artist” to be put in the past.

Art is everywhere you look, whether it’s on a billboard, on your coffee cup, in the architecture of your workplace, it is everywhere. Artists shape the world we see around us, so why not embrace that?

I want to create pieces that catch someone’s eye on their daily commute. I want for someone who has never stepped foot into an art gallery, to stop on the side walk and take a selfie with the mural they just came across. For just a second, they could feel moved or inspired, connecting with the same feelings we as creatives get while making these pieces.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

For me, I had to let go of the fear of judgement and trust that if I was passionate about something, others would see that passion for its value. For anyone scared to start…don’t overthink, just do! You never know what one post can turn into. I share every small sketch, to any big project! Odds are, someone out there is looking for something similar to your work, you just have to be there ready to take on the challenge when it’s offered!

Word of mouth is your best friend! Creating relationships with my clients in which they trust me enough to refer to a friend is the most rewarding experience for me. This has happened for murals and live painting. There have been multiple weddings I have painted, where I end up becoming great friends with the bride!

I am grateful for the community I have built around me, who push me through set backs but cheer me on at the finish line.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.colormecaitlin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colormecaitlin/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colormecaitlinart/

Image Credits
Haley Lynn Photography Ashley Steffans Photography