We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hillary Lauer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hillary below.

Hillary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents have had a profound impact on my life and career through their unwavering support and their emphasis on education. When I decided to pursue a career in art, a path that initially worried them, my parents immediately jumped in to help in any way possible. When I became a full time artist in 2020, my dad and I met every Friday to go over budget, deadlines, shipping and marketing objectives. Despite their concerns, they never discouraged me from following my passion. Instead, they offered me the best education and resources possible, reinforcing my mom’s mantra that education is something no one can take away from you.

Their support and realistic guidance pushed me to work tirelessly to prove that a career in art could be not only viable but also successful. Their initial doubt ignited my competitive spirit, motivating me to excel in my artistic pursuits. I remember talking to my mom on the phone when I was in California painting murals at Google Headquarters and she said, “Who knew this really could be a thing? Art as a full-time job?” with pride in her voice. Maybe they didnt always know it was possible, but they provided me with every tool under the sun to make it happen. Over time, I’ve realized that their celebration of my imagination and artistry, even when they had reservations, played a crucial role in shaping my journey. Their support gave me the confidence to overcome obstacles and continue pushing my creative boundaries. I am grateful for the foundation they provided me with.

Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I also acknowledge that there is still a long way to go in my career. My parents’ lessons in perseverance, the value of education, and their unyielding support continue to guide me as I strive for further success in the world of art.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an abstract artist and muralist. My artistic journey has been an exciting adventure, defined by my love for painting murals and my deep passion for fine art, particularly portraits.

I first discovered my passion for art during my high school years, and from that moment, I knew I had found my calling. In 2020, I took the leap to become a full-time artist, dedicating myself to bringing creativity to life through my work.

My portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, from captivating murals that have left their mark nationwide to commissioned studio pieces that capture the essence of my clients’ visions. I find endless inspiration in the art of portraiture, where I aim to breathe life into every brushstroke, revealing the depth and emotions of my subjects.

In addition to my canvas and mural work, my artistic journey has led me into the world of fashion and accessories. This exciting chapter began when I had the honor of creating a fall and winter line for the Denver Coach store, where I painted leather purses, shoes, bags, and accessories, adding a unique and artistic touch to everyday fashion.

As an artist, I believe in the power of creativity to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and bring joy to people’s lives. I’m excited to continue my artistic exploration, sharing my passion for art with the world one canvas, mural, and custom creation at a time.

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey. Together, let’s paint the world with imagination and inspiration.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A huge lesson that I had to unlearn was that the customer is always right. In art, especially, this is just not true. I had a client in 2020 that hired me to do an oil painting and I was so excited about the project. At this point in my early career I was bending over backwards to make clients happy..This was at the expense of both my mental health and bank account. I recall this pivotal moment when the client said,”Can you fix the painting, it’s not what I was expecting. I was hoping for it to exude happiness and this just doesn’t.” That shattered me. i loved the piece and spend so much time and money on it, just to have to start over. I am so thankful for that heartbreaking moment because it taught me these lessons: .1.) Make a CONTRACT! No redos-no heartbreak. The contract ensures that your creative license is protected and if changes need to be made, then the artist will be compensated for time, work and materials.
2.) Don’t take things personally. Art is subjective. “Exuding happiness” can look drastically different from one person to the next. Not everyone is going to love what you do all of the time. Dwelling doesn’t help, moving forward to the next project does.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Oh yeah! There are plenty of great recommendations for creatives. One author I highly recommend is Jerry Saltz, known for his role as an art critic at New York magazine. Having been an painter, he has a deep understanding of the artist’s psyche in addition to his critical perspective as a viewer. His genuine excitement and involvement in the art world has bridged the void between artists and collectors. By knowing what collectors want and knowing how artists think, he presents palatable insight for creatives. One of my favorite things he says is “Take drawing classes, if you wish; learn to draw “like the masters.” You still have to do it in an original way. Pollock could not draw realistically, but he made flicking paint at a canvas from above, for a time, the most prized skill in the art world. You can do the same — your skill will be whatever it is you’re doing differently.”

Another creative that I recommend is Rick Rubin, His book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” helped me get through a major creative block. When making art became my source of income, the pressure to create often destroyed my inspiration. Id feel guilty for not meeting deadlines and my inner dialogue was filled with negative chatter. Rick Rubin’s insights about patience have helped me accept that creativity can’t be forced. He says, “When it comes to the creative process, patience is accepting that the majority of the work we do is out of our control. We can’t force greatness to happen. All we can do is invite it in and wait actively. Not anxiously, as that might scare it off.” By inviting creativity and welcoming it in rather than antagonizing and chasing it, I’ve been able to nurture my practice and give my ideas space to breathe.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hillustrated.com
• Instagram: Hil_matic