We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cynthia Oswald. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cynthia below.
What is it that led you to choose this path of making a full time living as a creative entrepreneur?
I’ll never forget the day. I was almost 3 years into my new position as “Creative Services” specialist at a high-end printing company. The tension in the office was palpable, as the economy was in a downward spiral, and layoffs were becoming all too common. Despite the challenging circumstances, I had recently fought for a $4,000 raise, believing that my hard work and dedication would be recognized.
Over the loud speaker both myself and a colleague of mine were called into the conference room by the owner of the company. “You both should be really happy, we are making cuts and have asked around the office to see if anyone had anything negative to say about either of you. You see we needed to let one of you go. But no one had anything negative to say. And so, we’d like to keep you both but will have to cut your salary by 10%.” I was nodding my head in shock but keeping a poker face.
As I left the office that day, driving home with a heavy heart, a wave of sickness washed over me. I couldn’t comprehend how I had ended up in this situation. I saw my friends celebrating milestones, enjoying luxurious vacations, and embracing the abundance life had to offer. Meanwhile, I was struggling to make ends meet, barely able to afford the basic necessities.
It was in that moment of despair that a flicker of determination ignited within me. I realized that I needed to take control of my own destiny and create the life I desired. No longer could I rely on others to provide me with financial security or fulfillment.
With a newfound sense of purpose, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and relentless pursuit of knowledge. I devoured book after book, seeking inspiration and guidance from those who had achieved success against all odds. In addition to seeking wisdom from external sources, I turned inward, seeking solace in prayer and reflection. I tapped into the depths of my soul, connecting with my true passions and aspirations.
Opportunities started to present themselves. I collaborated with clients, bringing their visions to life through branding, print, and web design. With each successful project, my confidence grew, fueling my belief that I could turn my passion into a sustainable career.
Now, as I reflect upon my journey, I am filled with gratitude for that misfortune that had initially brought me to my knees. It was a wake-up call, a turning point that forever changed the course of my career and life. As I continue to evolve as an artist and designer, I remain dedicated to sharing my experiences and knowledge with aspiring creatives who find themselves at the same crossroads I once stood upon. I am committed to guiding and empowering them to forge their own paths, to build thriving businesses that align with their passions and values.
As I continue to grow and evolve, I find solace in the fact that my journey is not only about personal success but also about making a positive impact on others. I am driven by the desire to uplift and inspire fellow artists and designers, to provide them with the tools, insights, and support they need to navigate their own creative paths and thrive in their chosen fields. We all have our stories, our struggles, and our dreams. It is through the sharing of our experiences that we inspire and uplift one another, reminding ourselves that we are never alone in our creative journeys.
In September 2023, I will be launching my own transformative program, a course specifically designed to equip aspiring artists and designers with the knowledge and strategies necessary to transform their passion into a profitable business. It will be a platform for sharing everything I have learned over the years, offering guidance and mentorship to those who dare to dream big. I am excited to connect with like-minded individuals who are as passionate about their craft as I am.
Looking back on that pivotal moment in my career, I am grateful for the hardships and challenges that propelled me forward. They pushed me beyond my comfort zone, instilling in me the resilience and determination needed to overcome unforeseen obstacles. And ultimately, have led to a work/life balance that allows me the space and time to nourish my family while also maintaining a passion-filled career.
Hi Cynthia, thanks for joining us today. 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?
Hi there! I’m Cynthia Oswald, an artist and designer based in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. As a multidisciplinary creative, I blend my passion and skills to help clients bring their ideas and goals to life while also exploring my own personal creative projects. I’ve been working in the design industry since 2005. After graduating with a BFA in Communication Design, I found my true calling working with clients at a high-end printing company. It was there that I discovered the need that my ideal client has for web design services and honed my skills in branding and print design.
Over time, I realized that I wanted to create a business that allowed me to work from home and have more control over my schedule. So I took a leap of faith and started my own design studio, where I could work with clients bring their brand and marketing ideas to life while also exploring my own personal creative projects. As a result, my business is truly a reflection of who I am—a blend of art and design. I love working with clients to help them achieve their goals, and I’ve found that my core strength in empathy helps me truly understand where they’re coming from. By shining a light on their unique strengths, I’m able to create branding and marketing solutions that truly resonate.
Most recently, I’ve taken my passion for art and design to new heights by creating a home decor line that brings nature indoors. I believe that a beautiful home is a sanctuary of rest, relaxation, and inspiration and I’m excited to share that with others through my “Wild Garden” collection. With this collection, I aim to encourage slow, intentional living while also showcasing my love for studying flora and fauna. The collection features my original art and surface pattern designs on wall hangings, linen pillows, wallpaper and framed originals.
I’m also passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. I received my MFA in Communication Design in 2020 and have been teaching courses at a local university and on Skillshare. In September 2023, I’ll be launching my own course to help artists and designers create profitable businesses by sharing everything I’ve learned over the past decade since opening my business.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At the core of what I’m offering, it’s a chance to up level your brand or your life. I’m constantly working on self-improvement and striving to live up to my full potential, and I feel strongly about encouraging others to do the same. That’s why my mission is to make people feel good about themselves and help them gain confidence and peace so that they can show up and do the work they are truly meant to do in this world. This mission applies to all aspects of my work, whether I’m working with a client on their brand or marketing, designing something for the home, or teaching others how to bring their business to life. By infusing beauty, intentionality, and purpose into everything I create, I hope to inspire and empower others to pursue their passions and create lives they truly love.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As an artist and creative entrepreneur, I find the freedom to be the most rewarding aspect of my career. It was my desire for creative independence that initially propelled me to start my own business, and to this day, it remains the most fulfilling part of what I do. Dictating my own schedule allows me to strike a balance between the magic of creativity and the hard work that goes into realizing it. Collaborating with other creatives is also incredibly fulfilling, as I enjoy learning from them and bringing new ideas to the table.
What brings me even greater joy is that my work allows me to create a rhythm for my family that enables me to spend a significant amount of time with my little ones. Integrating my family life with my work life is immensely fulfilling and brings a sense of balance to both.
Making a living doing what I love most in the world is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to help others discover their own creative passions and guide them in building a successful business around them.
Ultimately, being a creative entrepreneur brings me so much joy and fulfillment. The freedom to create, explore, and work on my own terms sets it apart from other careers.
Contact Info:
- Website: services: cynthiaoswald.com & products: cynthiaoswald.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaoswalddesign/ & https://www.instagram.com/curateyourbrand/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-oswald-3258a19/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaxe2_ze1PDkrCZCTTOeJBA
- Free Resources: cynthiaoswald.com/resources