We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cortlyn Plunk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cortlyn, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I am an illustrator, and my primary medium is gouache. My journey with art began in childhood when I used anything I could get my hands on to sketch, build, and create. Reflecting on my growth, the question of “how could I have sped up the learning process”, my experiences have taught me that art is deeply personal and uniquely shaped by one’s life.

For instance, I took ceramics for five years, where I sculpted whimsical creatures from wax and clay during elementary school. After school, I would sketch anything that caught my attention and eagerly attended extra art classes, both in and outside of school. Over time, my work was showcased in exhibitions and earned awards—experiences that further fueled my passion.

Art, to me, is a deeply personal process. No one could live my exact life and create the same work, which is why I believe the most important skill for any artist is exploration. Learning a variety of mediums allows you to discover what truly resonates with you. You might feel confident and accomplished in one medium, only to find even greater satisfaction and success in another.

One of my biggest challenges has been my dyslexia. While my creativity was celebrated, I struggled with socializing, spelling, and feeling connected in academic settings. This often left me feeling isolated and lonely as a child. However, that solitude became an opportunity for growth—it allowed me to focus on my art and pour my energy into improving my craft.

Cortlyn, 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?

am, first and foremost, an illustrator. My passion for art was ignited by my great-grandmother, a talented painter who specialized in landscapes. She remains my greatest inspiration and the person who set me on this creative path.

Through my work, I imagine worlds and weave stories where characters navigate intricate emotions and challenges. My art often explores the complexities of being a modern woman, while also celebrating the warmth and nostalgia of southern living—what makes a place truly feel like “home.” At its core, though, my art exists for the simple joy of creation—art for art’s sake.

Most people seek me out for portraits or illustrations for children’s books, but my skills span a variety of mediums. While I primarily work traditionally with gouache, charcoal, and graphite to achieve my desired outcomes, I also enjoy experimenting with digital tools, ink, pastel, and even building three-dimensional pieces. Each medium adds a new dimension to my creativity, allowing me to continually grow as an artist.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing the reactions of others to my work. I’ve always sought connection and validation through my art, and seeing how it resonates with people gives me a profound sense of purpose. Whether it sparks joy, reflection, or inspiration, knowing that my creations can evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact is what drives me to keep creating.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

As a student at SCAD, my greatest resource has been my professors, particularly Stephen Gardner. He is an incredibly talented artist whom I deeply admire, both as a person and as a creative. I often seek his guidance, running ideas by him, as he’s always immersed in painting and creating. Having the opportunity to learn from and connect with an experienced artist like him has been an invaluable part of my education.

Another essential resource for me has been the works of Andrew Loomis. A golden-age illustrator, Loomis authored books that remain timeless and relevant in the modern art world. His teachings have profoundly influenced my approach to art, offering insights that resonate across mediums and styles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cortlynplunk.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Instagram: corty.p
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortlyn-plunk-6085632b1