We recently connected with Carly Quinn and have shared our conversation below.

Carly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I started my company in 2011 after quitting my day job and jumping into tile making full time. I started with a really crappy studio in a bad part of town that I could afford, and a large kiln that a friend sold me for dirt cheap. From that point on I spent every waking hour in my studio creating art and turning it into tile. Within a year I was able to rent a store front studio space in a nicer part of town and hire my first employee. From the moment I started I was able to eke out a living, but my expenses at the time were extremely low. I now have 8 employees, have since purchased the building we work out of and we make about 1,000 tiles per week. My artwork has not only provided me with a full time salary, but I am able to employ other artists at a competitive pay rate with benefits.

Carly, 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?

When I was studying Fine Arts & Illustration in college, I applied for a job at a tile studio for an assistant tile maker position. I was hired and as soon as I stepped foot into the artist’s studio, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in ceramics. I worked for her throughout the second portion of my college career, and when I graduated I got a few jobs as a graphic designer and saved as much as I could until I could rent my own studio space. These days my primary focus is on creating custom artwork for clients on tile. A client will come to me with a vision and it’s my job to make that vision come to life in the medium of ceramic tile.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs are fascinating to me. I have actually minted a few of my own NFTs that have utility to them. IE if you purchase one of my NFTs you are also purchasing a tangible product or experience with my studio. The world is going digital and NFTs and crypto currencies are just the beginning so we mine as well start adapting them now.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Creating jobs and providing a workspace that my employees love coming into every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: carlyquinndesigns.com
• Instagram: carlyquinndesigns
• Facebook: carlyquinndesigns