We recently connected with Jessica Libor and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.

In 2020, I lost my job as an event planner for a major retailer. Many people in 2020 lost their jobs, and it can be a scary time. However, I took it as the perfect opportunity to go into my art career full time. That year, I took my artistic work seriously and was able to make enough to support myself. Every year, it has gotten better since then. I’m so glad I took the risk to go into art full time! Because I learned so much over the last several years, I wanted to help other artists who were in a similar position–who wanted to make art their living, but were unsure how to do so. I took everything I learned about building a successful art career, and created a master course for artists: the Luminary Artist Academy. This is a comprehensive, 6 month course with workbooks, personal coaching and guided meditations, as well as all the practical business information about how to build your art career from the inside out! It has helped many artists since last year when it launched, and it’s something I’m really proud of, and happy I get to do. It is fulfilling to feel like you are making a positive difference in other people’s lives.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In my work through my coaching company, the Visionary Artist’s Salon, I wanted to create a place for artists that was full of love and encouragement where they could move through any struggles or inner blocks, get beneath the surface of what was going on, to step authentically into the most vibrant, successful version of themselves.

I created my courses and coaching practices from my own personal experiences as an artist and entrepreneur within the art world. I share how you can shift your paradigm dramatically in order to help you naturally get to the top of your game, make more money through your art by embracing its true value and worth, and have great opportunities coming to YOU.

The artists who have taken my courses have seen big art sales, new clients, brilliant ideas, unexpected press features, and the priceless result of a hope renewed that their dreams are, in fact, possible and TOTALLY achievable! You can see my offerings for artists at www.thevisionaryartistssalon.com, including my master course, the Luminary Artist Academy.

In my own personal artwork, I create about the feminine protagonist creating her own personal mythology and meaning. In life, our choices help us discover who we are and who we are going to be. It is through this process of self discovery that we begin to know ourselves. Through using the symbology and tropes found within fairytales, I explore the concept of the virgin’s promise: the process of self discovery that the heroine faces that forces her to turn inwards and to find her own identity; making choices all her own against prevailing odds. It is through strengthening her own sense of self and ownership of her destiny that the protagonist creates the ability to improve her own life and the lives of those within her kingdom. Other concepts that relate to my work are the reflection of nature mirroring the feminine biology and spirit, the use of costuming and fashion to create identity, and animal symbology.

My mediums include oils, mixed media, precious metals, dry mediums such as pastel and charcoal, and sometimes film and installation. I love the idea of making a precious object, such was created historically with the use of precious materials. When I use gold and silver leaf, I am conscious of this alchemical and sacred history as I create my own precious object imbued with ideas and meaning. You can see my artwork at www.jessicalibor.com.

I have received my Master of Fine Arts from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2014. I work in my studio along the Main Line of Philadelphia, host the Inspired Painter Podcast, teach at the Visionary Artist’s Salon, and curate at Era Contemporary Gallery.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having the power to create something from your imagination and make it into a reality.

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

I think NFTs are just another creative outlet. I try to be non-judgemental in new art forms, as all of them take a measure of creativity and can be harnessed for success if used correctly. However, I do not think NFTs will ever replace physical, tangible art. It cannot be replaced!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jessicalibor.com & www.thevisionaryartistssalon.com
• Instagram: @jessicaliborstudio & @visionaryartistssalon
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalibor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiUaIF-UliZHE89GPHlNkhg

Image Credits
Paintings by Jessica Libor Photographs by Jessica Libor and Natalie Gardot