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

Hailey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have always known I wanted to be a creator. I like to think I’m built for it. But have only been pursuing art as my full time gig for about two years. At the start of the pandemic I realized itching was certain or stable so my not pursue the thing I love.

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’m originally from Omaha Nebraska, but moved to Texas two years ago. I picked Austin because I knew the city appreciated the arts and had many more creative opportunities then the Midwest. After moving here I dove in head first looking for anyway into the creative community. I got lucky and found “the creative cuties” and the became the catalyst that put me on my path. Now the easy part was creating things I enjoyed making. Inspired by all of the cartoons I watched growing up my style evolved into a bright, colourful, patterned dreamscape. The colourful chaos not only brought a smile to my faces but to those who saw them too. The joy and nostalgia created has become my signature style.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing that I had to ignore from non creative people (including family) was doubt. I have noticed that non creatives do not understand is that the uncertainty of building a creative career is not only part of the journey but is normal. In a field that does not have standard path or rule book everyone is just trying things, learning from those failures, and applying the lessons to the next project. The best piece of advice I’ve stumbled upon is to follow your joy, and continue to move forward even if your misunderstood.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being a creative is living a life that is authentic to me. And to hear from people how they see themselves through my work. I love to hear how people relate to my work, what it makes them feel, or what they see in each piece. It’s a kind of connection you build with strangers that stays will you forever.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hailey_gearo
• Facebook: Hailey Gearo
• Other: TikTok is also @haileygearo All social media I can be found by my name. 😊