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

Alright, Craig thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I first sold some work at my solo art show at the Millet House Gallery a few years ago. I had original drawings as well as t-shirts and prints of my art available for sale. A mother and her two children had picked a print out of a few designs that I made for the show. They were my first customer.

I had often thought of the appeal of art on an individual level but not to a family unit. It was touching to see the amount of consideration they had placed into which design to pick. The kids were especially happy to have a work of art, and I was excited to make that connection with them.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been drawing ever since I was a child, and always considered myself an artist. I wanted to pursue a career in art at an early age, so I went on to study studio arts at Louisiana State University where I got a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After college, I struggled to find my footing in the creative fields as I didn’t have a roadmap of where I could go with my work. I worked in some art galleries for a few years, but it led to no advances in my art career. To earn a better living, I decided to take on corporate administrative positions, and shortly after switched to working in the IT industry. However, I was very unhappy in all of these positions and ultimately I decided I need to pursue a full-time career as an artist.

I am a visual artist and my artworks showcase fantasy or surreal themes. I want my work to be accessible to the general public. I felt that many people are intimidated by the prices in galleries, so I am very selective in doing gallery shows. Instead, I believe art should be available to everyone. I want people to easily own my work and to spark their creativity.

I provide original works of art as well as prints, stickers, and t-shirts of my designs. My original works, which are at a higher price point, can bring an otherworldly or mythical presence to transform a space. My prints, stickers, and t-shirts allow people to have the same energy on a more personal level and at cheaper price points.

I am most proud of my larger original drawings. I enjoy the process of conceptualizing the large pieces, the smoothing execution and finally the materialization of the finished piece. At the same time, I understand that not everyone is ready to purchase large pieces, so I spend additional care in taking my work and making them into t-shirts, prints, stickers, and coloring books, so potential clients can own a piece of it. Readers should go to my website to check out a selection of my original works and merchandise.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Being an artist is a calling. I have an innate need to make art. I have refused the call in the past and this has led to depression and feelings of unworthiness. Recognition of my art and connecting to others through my work is a part of that calling.

I use art as a way to meditate and explore my own subconscious. I conjure archetypal characters that form my personal mythology. I explore and fuel my spiritual growth through my art. It is my goal to appeal to the subconscious in the viewer. I want people to see themselves in my work, which allows them to connect to their inner strengths and bring forth their inner hero as well. I want them to know my struggle and my resilience, and my desire is that people may discover their own resilience through their enjoyment of and connection to my art.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Many non-creatives may not understand how each work of art represents a lifetime of creative development. Each of my works is the culmination of a lifetime’s worth of experience, observation, inspiration and the refinement of the craft. Each creation is a snapshot of my journey and represents more than the time it took to create that specific piece. I create art because I want to share my personal journey with the world and hope to add enrichment to people’s lives.

I think most people recognize that art helps people find meaning or gain understanding when words fail us. Art is a powerful tool that can stimulate our thoughts and influence our emotions. However, many non-creatives might not register that it is difficult for artists to make a living without working for corporations. Corporations use art to influence our buying decisions and interests to serve their stakeholders, and not necessarily societal goods. Non-creatives do not always recognize how essential independent art is to our everyday lives.

Furthermore, there is no roadmap for artists to be entrepreneurs. Running a small business requires lots of multi-tasking and juggling of responsibilities, while making art demands focus. I am often pulled from my creative mind in order to address business needs. We each have to search and find our own way if we do not want to work for a corporation or refuse to create art that serves the corporate interests versus our individuality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.craigofthorns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigofthorns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-thornton-7076ab209/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigofthorns