We were lucky to catch up with Caitlin Riley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlin , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

It’s something that I always wanted but didn’t allow myself to think was possible for an exceptionally long time. I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil and selling work since I was a teenager, but I convinced myself from an early age it wasn’t possible to sustain as career. I knew I would always be doing art in some way, but it wasn’t until I moved to LA and started selling at local markets that I believed I could make it a full-time career.

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?

I am a miniature pop artist working in oil paint on matchbooks, cigarette packs, guitar picks, and other tiny things. My specialty and focus are movie scenes and pop culture.

It all started as an accident from lack of materials that led to a business. While living in NYC I had been wanting to paint some New Wave French film stars but had nothing to paint on except a few blank matchbooks. The reception of my first batch of paintings coupled with my newfound love of miniature work led me to shift my focus entirely to tiny creations.

I then began looking for a way to offer an affordable printed version of my original paintings. After researching matchbook companies and realizing there were none that could make accurate reproductions, I began experimenting with making my own handmade copies which are now the main product of my business.

In addition to my original paintings and handmade reproductions I offer custom commissions for weddings and other large parties. I also offer wholesale rates for stores interested in carrying my work.

I am very proud of the body of work I’ve amassed overtime. Ive tried to create things I love but also include something for everyone to enjoy. Having a large array of work has widened my audience of people who enjoy my work.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Last year I was unexpectedly laid-off from my steady retail job of 8 years which is what inadvertently launched the full-time art career. I had been slowly building my business over the years while working my day job but when the layoff happened, I had to change how i approached everything. I decided that I was going to do everything I could to make my business sustainable. I did as many markets as I possible the first few months, upgraded my booth and packaging, and started to focus on building up a wholesale business. It also made me realize I could have shifted to this career sooner but sometimes you need that unexpected push to make things happens. My handmade matchbooks are now sold in 11 stores, 8 states, and 3 countries.

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

There are many rewarding aspects of this life. Working for myself has been one of the biggest gifts. I am by nature an introverted homebody so being in the place I love most, with my two cats, while having the freedom to work on my art and business without limit gives me a peace I have never known. I also have an immense sense of pride that I built something over the years on my own with my art that is sustaining a life for me (and the cats).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Kingmargot.com
• Instagram: King_margot

Image Credits

Nikko Peach
Nikkopeach.com
@nikkopeach