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

Hi Elianna, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Juggling several jobs and projects simultaneously isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s the only feasible way to stay afloat without relying on a traditional 9-5 or service job. I spent years in the service industry during school and after graduation. Walking away from a stable source of income was not an easy decision. I knew leaving would give me the time and energy to create more, but it wasn’t smart until I had a reliable client base.

Networking and building relationships within the industry were crucial to this plan. Engaging with my community both online & offline helped to expand my reach and open up new opportunities. I diversified my income by taking commissions from friends and selling original art. Once my portfolio beefed up, I decided to leap into a full-time creative career. This lifestyle is far from consistent, but I can’t see myself anywhere else. I’d rather balance multiple projects than adhere to a predictable routine.

I think that’s why many creatives choose this path despite its uncertainty; this lifestyle suits people with minds that don’t sit still. The dynamic nature of juggling various roles and projects keeps me engaged and continuously growing as an artist.

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?

In my practice, I focus on bridging the gap between physical making and the digital world. I am an artist informed by design, so I typically work with pen and paper instead of my laptop. Creating in a physical space is central to my process as it allows me to be flexible as I work through design problems. Personally and professionally, I enjoy editorial print and publication design, typography, and 90s DIY-scene posters and prints. My mom’s old record sleeves from the 1970s and 1980s, vintage fashion magazines, and folk art inspire me. I want to make beautiful work that people can identify with.

I’ve developed an illustration style inspired by icons from childhood, such as Shel Silverstein and Roald Dahl, that feels distinctly individual. This unique style sets me apart in a crowded field, allowing me to offer something personal while promoting a sense of community through my characters. Hearing about the positive impact my art has on people is incredibly rewarding.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

Flat out, I prefer traditional art. To me, nothing you can do with a computer will ever be as meaningful as something you can make with your hands. Using physical mediums to refine your craft is essential. I feel incredibly detached from digital art and NFTs, and have a strong connection to traditional, physical mediums. There’s an irreplaceable authenticity and intimacy in creating art with my hands. The tactile experience, the textures, and the process of physically engaging with materials add a depth and meaning that I find hard to replicate digitally. I encourage artists to explore and refine their craft using physical materials, as the connection and fulfillment it brings are unparalleled.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The only path I’ve ever considered is one immersed in art. My goal is to make beautiful things and dedicate my life to the creative process. I love transforming ordinary objects into something extraordinary. Art is not just a career for me; it’s a lifelong passion and a calling. I strive to create pieces that inspire, evoke emotions, and bring beauty into the world. This mission drives me to continuously refine my craft, explore new techniques, and stay true to my artistic vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eliannamp.cargo.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliannasart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elianna-panakis-687739188/