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

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

As an HBCU grad, two older parents on a fixed income, I played it safe when I received my BA with honors from Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2010. I immediately went into teaching. I touched a lot of lives and a lot of people helped me. I am so blessed. I stopped creating my own artwork for 10 years and focused on teaching, then the pandemic hit. Everything changed. Everyone has heard about the Great Resignation I’m sure. I don’t think I’m apart of that, BUT I did leave a steady decent paycheck, few perks, during an economic downturn. I was an art teacher, and a pretty good one according to my students and colleagues for 11 years. The 2022-23 school year proved to be my last year in the public school system. I resigned on October 6, 2022 with no tears of sadness, only tears of joy once I got in my car and left the parking lot. I left all the anxieties of being a teacher, being in that school, being afraid of undergoing another school shooting, the anxiety of being micromanaged and shown micro aggression. I felt as if I was being released from prison, although I’ve never been. I LOVE teaching and I LOVE my students. Neither of those was ever my reason for leaving. The education system is just not the same anymore. Overworked, underpaid, quality of education is subpar not because of the teachers in majority of instances but circumstances we cannot control. There’s unnecessary duties, tasks, admin egos and insecurities, trauma, it just became all too daunting. I’d been through a lot at this particular school that honestly, but that’s done now and I’m in a much softer, happier place because I chose me. I am now a full time artist and loving it. Yes, it was a risk to the human eyes to leave because we all need a way to take care of ourselves. But at this point, my mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health was more important than any paycheck in a bad unfulfilling position.

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?

I am a mixed media artist with a concentration in portraiture, I earned my BA with honors in Art, from Southern University A & M College. Upon graduation, I began my career as an arts educator for 11 years and now as a full time artist. I serve as chair to the artist advisory board for BlkArthouse, now I am a member of the Women’s Caucus for Art Texas Chapter, a brand ambassador for Adobe Express, and exhibit my work in galleries locally and internationally. I am deeply connected with my art and firmly believe my inspiration transfers to those who view it. I get excited to capture a thought, a moment, or an experience through my portraits. If it doesn’t tell a story, it’s sure to create one. Most people are attracted to my use of colored pencils and rendering of skin tones. I often get asked, “Is that paint?” I think that’s pretty awesome. Pencil, watercolor, and pastel are my top 3 media to work in. The majority of my practice explores women, nature, and life in general. I think it’s really important to focus on Non-Eurocentric beauty norms in my work because this is who I am. And it’s such a rich culture and experience, I have to share it. Currently, I provide fine art services, such as drawings, paintings, murals, and prints. I also provide private commissions for custom artwork. I do teach lessons on Skillshare but am scaling up to create my own small cohort of private art learners, different age ranges where I’ll be teaching drawing and painting methods, history, and techniques. If you’ve never taken an art class or want to try something new, you’ll enjoy learning with me. Just check my Skillshare reviews or Trustpilot reviews. I’ve also created and trademarked my own motivational coloring book for black and brown girls called ColorMyVerses™️ Naturally Sho’ it is available via Amazon or through my website.

What sets me apart? – I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, I was born with this ability. That’s God given. What I possess is not mine. It’s his. He just chose to give this to me. So I’m sharing it. I’m so thankful and I’m still in amazement every time I create a piece because the glory isn’t mine. That’s what helps to keep me grounded. Being humbled by God is NOT fun. So I try to remember where my power and talent comes from.

I want all my potential clients to know that when you invest into a piece of artwork, you’re getting so much more than something on a surface. You are receiving an experience. I’ve seen people cry, breakdown, hug me out of nowhere, tell me it was a message they needed, etc. That lets me know this is bigger than me. My art, is BIGGER than me. That means, the service has to be top notch, the quality materials I use has to be the best, I research and talk to my clients to hear THEIR stories so I can also be invested in whatever piece I’m creating. Stock markets depreciate, cars depreciate soon as that wheel turns off the lot, all these things, but art, quality art appreciates and its value adds to your life overall. This is what I offer, an experience, expertise, top quality, and appreciation.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

1. Learn the value of art. Even if it’s not your thing. 2. You find an artist’s work you admire? Talk about them! Tell others about them. 3. BUY THE ARTIST’S WORK.

One of the MOST frustrating things is people who do not understand the value of art coming to purchase or inquire about it. Now granted, we all have something from Kirkland’s, Target, or Hobby Lobby hanging in our homes. I get it. $49.99 with 50% off looks real juicy in comparison to an artist who has poured their heart and soul into an original and the price has a comma. It’s happened to me umteen times. Still does. It really does burn bridges with an artist. Educate yourself on the value of art and why it’s important, be transparent with the artist if you don’t understand something like pricing or value. Now, you MIGHT get sacked out, but most artist have a formula they go by to determine the price of their work. I do. It’s not a number I pull out the sky. Our jobs are not made up, I didn’t get a bachelor’s degree to play around. This is how we earn our living. If you don’t like their work, referrals! Helloooo! We do that all the time! Social media is king for that and word of mouth is still a gold mine for artists. One last thing, if you see an artist on the rise? Jump on the bandwagon before they really take off. You will wish you had’ve paid that 1,500 before it skyrockets to a number you can’t even charge on a credit card. (And still appreciates in value as you stare at your Kirkland painting.) Support living artist, women artist, and minority artists. Thank you.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Peace and freedom. Too many people today are tied to their jobs because they’re afraid or embarrassed to lose something. Let me tell you this, before I even LEFT my job my position was posted. I know you have to find a replacement, but my two week notice email was still in the sent folder. Goodness. I’m just saying, money comes and goes. Cars, possessions, etc comes and goes. If you’re willing to trade your peace and freedom for that? Enjoy. I won’t stand for it concerning myself. If I died today or tomorrow, my position would be filled within the coming weeks. So tell me again, why I am killing myself for a job that’s not even thankful I’m there? I’ve never tried to keep up with the Joneses so that never bothered me anyway. I drive my 2012 Camry I paid for and I’m so content. God is my boss. He provides for me. These jobs are a means to an end. And since I know he has a purpose for me, I’m following that with full faith and spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now Jehovah is the Spirit, and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is FREEDOM.” “And that’s that on that,” as my big sister would say. I’m free and I have peace on my journey. There will be bumps, but hey, that’s life. We keep on keeping on.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hsportsmanart.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/h.sportsmanart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SportsmanArt
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/heather-sportsman
• Other: Skillshare Classes – https://www.skillshare.com/en/profile/Heather-Sportsman/32247096