We recently connected with Erika NJ Allen and have shared our conversation below.

Erika NJ, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you 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?

“It’s Rarely Day One: Earning a full-time living from creative work is usually a gradual journey. Most artists don’t achieve this immediately. They often start as amateurs, experimenting and honing their skills over time. My own journey began when I was laid off from a 9-5 corporate job, complete with free lunch Monday through Friday. I initially thought I had it made until my entire department faced layoffs. Instead of letting it negatively affect me, I seized the opportunity to pursue my passion for art during my unemployment.
To do so, I needed to obtain my university transcripts from Guatemala, where I attended law school, even though I didn’t graduate. This process involved not only getting the transcripts but also translating them into English, which was both time-consuming and costly.
Instead, I decided to pursue my GED, a nine-month endeavor that felt like giving birth to a child and essentially meant attending high school for the second time in my life. I faced the challenge of overcoming my aversion to math, which required taking classes for another nine months. Despite my dislike for numbers, I persevered. Fortunately, a grading system in Kentucky allowed me to pass the science component by a mere 3 points, sparing me from retaking the test! Time was on my side!

After earning my GED, I enrolled in the Art Academy of Cincinnati to study photography, fully aware that it wouldn’t be easy. Balancing 30 hours of work per week, full-time school, and family life required constant sacrifices. However, with strong support from my family and the art community, I committed to hustling and giving my all. As a non-traditional student, time was precious, and there was no secret to success in the art world. I had to rely on my instincts, be authentic, and pursue everything with passion – it was the only way I knew how.

In 2019, a hysterectomy changed the course of my life and artistic practice. The work I created for my thesis resonated with people facing mental and physical challenges, much like myself post-surgery. Despite the challenges of 2020, I remained undeterred. I decided to pursue my MFA, aiming high and gaining acceptance into the ceramics program at Cranbrook Academy of Art, from which I graduated in 2023. Leaving family and friends behind was tough, but my gut feeling pushed me to chase higher aspirations, leading me to leave Cincinnati and embark on this journey. Failure was not an option.

As I progressed, my work gained recognition from galleries, collectors, patrons of the arts, and organizations, among others. When such opportunities come your way, it signifies the need to work even harder and continue creating for future opportunities, whatever they may be. Ian Macdonald, A.I.R. & Area Head of Ceramics at Cranbrook Academy of Art always emphasized that t’s better to create more work than needed and edit it down than to have too little work.
I took that suggestion to heart and still follow it.
Networking, patience, and persistence. Seeking mentorships. Thinking outside the box. Continuous learning. Adaptability. Don’t hesitate to ask! The worst they can say is ‘no,’ and that’s okay. You can always ask again.
One significant obstacle is fear. Many times, I’ve felt terrified of public speaking, writing, or submitting for grants, fellowships, and residencies. Despite these fears, I push through. It’s a necessary challenge. Over time, fear has become a driving force, pushing me to take risks in my artistic career, and now, it feels like an old friend.
With that same fear, I’ve grown used to rejections in the art world. I’m not afraid of ‘no.’ This mindset led me to continue taking risks, like applying and gaining acceptance to one of the top ceramic residencies, the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena, MT. I thought, why not apply? What’s the worst that can happen? They say ‘no,’ and that’s okay. But I got in, fear and all!

Now, after 2.5 years, I am finally back home, with a career in the arts, an active artistic practice, and a full-circle return to the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Here, I have the opportunity to assist other student artists in envisioning an achievable and enriching future through hard work and persistence.
I am also doing a long term residency at Queen City Clay. A fellowship at Kennedy Heights Art Center and a tech at my beloved weekly ceramics class at Wave Pool Contemporary Art Center where my clay journey started, brings back memories of when my daughter Lindsey used to gift me with paint-on-clay experience gift certificates. The two of us would spend enjoyable times together, bonding over art.
Life is still challenging, but having a career in the art world makes it all meaningful

Success in the art world can vary greatly from person to person. It’s essential to define what success means to you and set realistic goals. While there’s no guaranteed formula for making a full-time living as an artist, dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and adapt can increase your chances of achieving your artistic aspirations.

I have no regrets. I embarked on this journey later in life, and I am confident that this is my moment. I am meant to do what I am doing now, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
The only regret I’m trying to avoid is the thought of not doing what I am doing now.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who are not yet acquainted with my work, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Erika NJ Allen, an artist born in Guatemala, with a diverse cultural background that has deeply influenced my artistic journey. I hold a BFA in photography from the Art Academy of Cincinnati and an MFA in Ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art. My creative path took a significant turn in May 2019 when, during my senior year of pursuing a BFA, I underwent a hysterectomy. This medical procedure, while clinical in nature, profoundly impacted my relationship with my body, nourishment, and life itself. It inspired a transformation in my art. As I reimagined my diet to aid in recovery, I discovered a newfound intentionality in consuming fruits and vegetables. These everyday produce items took on a meditative quality, guiding me as I worked with clay to regain strength and vitality. In my artwork, I meticulously replicate these fruits and vegetables, imprinting each piece with the authenticity of the real thing. This blurs the line between authenticity and artifice, mirroring the coexistence of ceramics and real fruit. It symbolizes the dichotomy between my body, which undergoes change and decay, and the unchanging presence of medical implants.
A turning point occurred when an ordinary banana inspired an unexpected glazing technique, reshaping my porcelain and stoneware creations. This serendipitous discovery ignited my passion for experimenting with various types of produce.
Beyond its initial aesthetic purpose, my banana artwork has evolved to convey a powerful political message. It now represents resilience in the face of adversity, symbolizing how marginalized communities persist in the presence of systemic barriers.
As an artist and survivor, I extend a warm invitation to all who wish to share their stories. Art is the medium through which I articulate a narrative of resilience and adaptation. My journey is an invitation to engage in a collective dialogue, to connect with the human experience, and to witness the beauty that emerges when we transform hardship into art. I’m immensely proud of the work I create and the conversations it inspires. I want everyone that encounters my work to know that my art is a bridge between personal and universal experiences, a platform for healing, and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

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

Society can truly thrive by embracing and supporting artists of all ages. Recognizing the value of diverse life experiences and perspectives is essential for a vibrant creative ecosystem. Promote inclusivity. Establish grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities that are not limited by age.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I still don’t get them. Sorry!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Erika.nj.allen.studio
• Facebook: Erika NJ Allen
• Other: Interested in chatting? Collaborating? email me at erikanjallenart@yahoo.com . Let’s connect!

Image Credits
Peggy Joseph Photography Portrait Made possible by ArtWorks Cincinnati All of the artwork images were taken by me.