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

Hi Emily, 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?

I work full time as an artist, and very fortunately I am able to support myself and my family that way. I was an Art major in college with a concentration in Art History, so I have always loved the arts, the history behind it, and just old things in general. It has definitely taken time to get my business to where it is today. I started out working and learning alongside another decorative artist and learning how to use the materials, tools, and media that I currently use for my work. I worked for her for a handful of years before deciding to venture out on my own and try things by myself. From there is when the Fine Art side of my business began to evolve. If I had to go back in time and make any changes, I would have stepped out on my own sooner…finding my own style and putting my work out into the world for people to see sooner rather than being nervous or afraid of just starting.

Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have always loved design and art, so after college I started working with an Interior Designer who set me up to also work with a decorative artist that did alot of custom finishes in her clients’ homes. That was when I began to learn how to use then plaster products that I still use today. I fell in love with trying to make new things look old, via plaster, paint, brick, distressing, etc. Upon starting my own business, I decided I wanted to narrow what I offered down to an even smaller niche of just plaster and brick finishes and by creating plaster sample boards for various projects is how the Fine Art aspect of my business was born. A lot of the samples I would make looked like something you could just hang on the wall so I thought, why don’t I use my same techniques and styles I use on walls to create more pieces that would be a: not permanent (i.e- a fixed wall)
b: you can take with you if you move
c: funkier/more stylistic than what would typically be done on a wall

Charleston, SC has always been my favorite city in the United States, and every time we would visit I would do nothing but wander the streets of the historic downtown area taking photos of the countless time-worn architecture and plaster facades. They are all so unique, with so much history, color and so many layers. I started trying to recreate my own versions of these walls in my art. The colors, the texture, the layers all inspired by actual buildings, homes, and walls in Charleston. From there, I became so obsessed with traveling to historic countries and cities to see more so that I could create more. Most, if not all, of my collections have been named after the city or country that it was inspired by. I began printing out physical copies of the photos I take on these trips to look at while I am working and creating my own versions. My goal is to transport you back to a place in time by looking at it, whether you have been to that city or not.

I am most proud when someone makes a comment on a wall I have done thinking that it was an original wall to a historic home. Like it had always been there, 200+ years. Because that is my goal! Same with my art, when it looks like I could have cut a piece out of a 600+ year old wall in Prague and brought it back home…thats my favorite.

I certainly haven’t been everywhere in the world, but it is literally ALL on my list!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I honestly wish I just started to put my work out there sooner. Instead, I worried too much about what people might think and the ever present “imposter” syndrome. It started very slow for me, and still remains a slow but steady climb. I truly think that is the best way to gain the best and most loyal “following” or customers/clients. Do not buy your way into it, that will backfire. Instead, constantly doing little things that will one day start to add up to big things. Go to networking events, support others in your own industry and lift them up by sharing their work. Find others on social media who you admire, and take notes on how they may run their business/brand. Learn from that and find your own style. Hone in on that style, and don’t go in too many directions otherwise people don’t know where to look. The word “authenticity” is preached a lot these days but its for good reason. If you are authentic with your personality, intentions and your work that will come through to your audience. And don’t forget to show up consistently. Like any other goals in life, you have to be consistent.

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

Essentialism by Greg McKeowan is a must read. I’ve already read/listened to it twice this year and plan to do so again. It discusses not only time management, but also learning to weed out the essentials in life vs. the non essentials (not just material things), we’re talking about work life, social life, things at home and also the impact of sleep. Just read it don’t waste any more time!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilyharrisart.com
• Instagram: @emilypopeharris

Image Credits
Andrea Kinnear Photography