Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carolyn Whittico . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Carolyn , thanks for joining 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’ve been able to make a full time living from my artwork by fully committing my time to that purpose. Many artists dedicate a part time effort to their work and expect to make a full time living, but that’s a rare outcome. When I worked a day job, there simply wasn’t enough energy or focus left in me to dedicate to my practice, my business, or my knowledge.

When I quit my job, I didn’t instantly earn a proper living from art, either. All careers take time and nurturing. I cut my expenses drastically to fit my new income level — and it was a STRUGGLE. But my vision was worth sacrificing for.

After a few years I can happily say my revenue exceeds anything I earned from a day job.

I’m not sure my art journey could have gone any faster than it did. Maybe if I never went to college or set my sights on a traditional career I could’ve cut to the chase. But I think the lessons learned on that path were necessary. Don’t rush the journey, but give it all your time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Today I create watercolor and digital illustrations which are made into prints, mugs, tapestries, calendars, stickers, cards, and many other items.

My artwork is cute but dark, sorrowful but inspiring, and focuses deeply on the connection between our inner realities and our outer experiences.

You can find a portfolio of my illustrations at www.carolynwhittico.com.

The first place I ever sold a painting was at a little art show in my hometown. My friend pressured me to do it, just for fun. And it was fun. From then on art shows were a hobby for me — perfect for hanging out with friends, meeting new artists and making a few extra dollars. Eventually, it grew and became the foundation of my business.

Now I sell at art shows all over the country, festivals, and on my online shop, A Cup of Cloudy.

At A Cup of Cloudy I also teach other artists how to make a living from their craft and find their own unique art style.

I realized the things I was learning were valuable. My blog and email list began at the beginning stages, when I was still “side hustling” my art career. The documentation of that evolution and how I’ve grown is extremely relevant to other artists, and I provide most of it for free. I’ve also started The Carolyn Whittico Art Podcast to document a more personal side of the art journey.

The thing I’m MOST proud of so far truly is that my illustrations resonate with people on a deep level. When someone tells you your creations have made them so emotional that they cry, you know you’ve hit gold. I feel honored to have my paintings in the homes of so many folks. I love to help people tap into those introspective moments and art is the best way to achieve that.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Yes. When I was graduating high school in 2012, the world was not as it is today. I had no exposure to successful artists.

Social media didn’t show the type of content it does now, with successful creators in every algorithm. It was just cat pictures and family photos.

And I didn’t know anyone personally who was a full time creative. No one. Truly, I went to college because I thought my dream career wasn’t possible.

The resources we have today are far superior to the ones we had then. At least they’re easier to find.

I wish I had been exposed to more creative career driven people. I wish there were ebooks galore online like there are now (like The Complete Guide to Your First Art Show, which I sell at acupofcloudy.com). I wish I had known of one blogger, one YouTuber, one person who was sharing their journey. It would’ve changed the game for me.

That’s why I share what I learn, what I’m doing, and teach what I can.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to inspire people to be on their own path. It’s difficult to know what is really coming from within you as opposed to what society is telling you. Introspection is key to the creative journey and to being happy in life in general.

When I was acting from a place of obligation, external expectations, and societal rules, I THOUGHT I was doing what I wanted. I thought I wanted to go into publishing, or the professional field of books. That’s why I attended college. But it wasn’t until I asked myself tough questions and got tough answers that I knew the path I was on was the wrong one for me.

That’s when I quit the day job, took the risk, and dedicated my time to what I really wanted.

Both my artwork and my role as a teacher focus on this introspection. You can only find the answers for you within you. Everyone has the ability of intuition, but most people are out of practice.

To express yourself, you have to know yourself. To make choices for yourself, you have to know yourself.

My illustrations connect the inner and outer worlds, as they’re always intertwined. My teachings guide artists by helping them ask those tough questions about their journey.

Introspection is the first step to self knowing, self trusting, and self reliance.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.acupofcloudy.com
• Instagram: @carolynwhittico
• Other: Listen to The Carolyn Whittico Art Podcast on Spotify