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

Glendinning, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. 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?

After college, I had no idea how to start earning money creatively. After a few part time jobs I landed a full time job as a Trader Joe’s sign artist. Trader Joe’s was one of the first opportunities I had to be paid to create art. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to work for such a supportive company. After 7 years, I was doing well enough freelancing that I was able to leave TJ’s and pursue making art full time. Over the years I’ve learned how important networking is and making connections with other artists. For years I was scared my art wasn’t good enough or that no one would want to buy it. I’d tell my younger self or someone else pursuing a creative job, to just go for it and create as much as you possibly can! I wouldn’t change my journey!

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?

I’ve loved making art for as long as I can remember. I grew up with my mom always making handmade gifts and all kinds of crafts so I always knew I wanted to pursue some kind of creative outlet as I got older. Working for Trader Joe’s as an artist really propelled me into working in the art industry. I learned a lot about sign painting as a form of marketing, which has given me many opportunities to work with local businesses doing menus, murals, or signage for them.

Painting really has my heart, it’s my favorite way to express my creativity. For me, creating art is just as much about the process as it is about the final piece. When I’m working on a painting commission I really enjoy building the layers and creating movement through my piece. I’m a dancer also, so I’m very inspired by shapes and movement across the canvas combined with the surreal and calming colors of nature. I often work with clients on large scale custom commissions as well as creating several collections each year which I sell on my website. I’m always so proud of my large scale canvases pieces, because starting with a big blank canvas can be really scary.

In addition to abstract canvas paintings, I also work in smaller scale paper pieces, murals of all shapes and sizes, and hand lettered signs. People always say to narrow your niche, but what I do works for me and I enjoy working in a wider range of the art community.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In our society, many of us are so used to instant gratification or buying something with the tap of a finger. I think we forget how important the process is and how meaningful it can be to buy from a small business both for the consumer and the artist. Forging new relationships and creating lasting connections with small businesses and creatives not only supports your community but offers a much more rewarding experience than many mass produced items. I never forget the items in my home that I’ve purchased from small businesses and other creatives. They hold stories and memories.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For this I have to say two things. The process and the people. The process of starting a painting and the many many stages it goes through until the final piece is so fun for me. A lot of times, it’s almost unrecognizable from where I started. I really have to sit with my pieces and spend time with each canvas to decide how and where it’s going to go. It’s my favorite thing about painting, how much it changes and how important each layer is. Second, it’s the people. The people that support me and my art still blows my mind, I love meeting new clients and talking through what they want. Art is such a personal experience for the artist and the collector and it’s rewarding to me that people want a piece of my art in their homes or offices.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.glendinningpaulart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/glendinningpaulart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glendinningpaulart
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@glendinningpaulart