We recently connected with Eli Portman and have shared our conversation below.

Eli, 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?

It took a lot of trial and error to make a living as an artist. I started by just throwing myself out there. I had no savings to back me up, and a hefty rent. I rented a small art space in a retail shop/art collective and made myself always be visible, working there during full business hours. Always creating new work, presenting what i made and selling as best i could. I was selling drawings for whatever i could get for them. 8 years later, i now do custom artwork, murals, teach art classes and sell prints. All of these things led to the stability i tried so hard to find when i was just starting out. There are so many different ways one can apply oneself in the arts, other than just selling things they make in their studio. It took all of these practices to help my business grow.

Eli, 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?

I’ve always loved cities. Urban architecture. Busy, often moody environments. People rushing around. In Boston, i found most of my success in rendering the city and its various corners and alleys. Sharing the place i love with people who love it too.I look for scenes that people love in the same way i do, with the same vibes that resonate with both of us. As a business person, not just as an artist, I do more than deliver a product. however. I’m an endlessly patient and calm contractor and teacher, who creates quality work for people who have their own ideas about art and the world, and what they want on their walls. Part of being a succesful artist is being a people person. Always be warm, helpful, and sincere. I think that’s something major that i bring to the table that helps my business thrive.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Buy artwork! Show the artists that you care financially. Attend concerts, attend classes. Become a partron of the arts. And secondly, find art you like and tell the artist who made it. Artists thrive on being told that people look at their work and care about it. Even if your feedback is critical, it still shows you took the time to think about the work.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

To do more and create more. No matter what i do i always try to create more work, never pausing. But i also look for new opportunites, new ways to create art that is visible to the public, and new ways to show it. Whether it be a mural, demonstration, gallery show, or something else. Being visible with my creations helps me feel productive and positive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eliportman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eli.portman/