We recently connected with Jule Baxter and have shared our conversation below.

Jule, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

First off, I think “success” is often difficult to define. Personally, I think that if you are happy and can support yourself, then you’re beyond successful already.

As far as what it takes to become a practicing professional artist, I truly believe all you need is drive. If you want this, then you will naturally find any way to make it work!

For myself, personally, success came when I found my niche in the art world. Going through the Illustration program at SCAD is incredibly intimidating. I felt a little lost going through my classes; trying to decide on my concentration, not fully understanding my “style”, and feeling as though I wasn’t as skilled as my peers made me demotivated. I wasn’t drawing as much as I should have been, and I felt like I was rushing through projects to get a decent grade. It wasn’t until late my Junior/early Senior year that I started my Surface Design classes and found an area of art that my style suited and I began to excel at.

I’m sure you’ve heard other creatives say this in the past, but I also think it’s important to remember that “talent” doesn’t really exist. If you want to be a skilled illustrator, artist, surface designer – whatever – all it takes is putting in the hours and practice to achieve your goals and hone your skills. Once I realized that fact, I feel like THAT is when I really became an artist and found myself feeling truly passionate about what I do.

Jule, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jule Baxter!

I always loved drawing growing up. I would doodle hotels for hamsters, pet shops, family portraits, all the silly things young kids draw. But I remember when my sister began watching anime and drawing manga, I started becoming really interested in art. We would draw in our sketchbooks together, and I took a lot of pride in showing my family a drawing and having them say “wow”!

In my teenage year, my passion for art combined with my love of music. I would draw ideas for band merchandise like T-shirts and banners, tattoo designs, drawings inspired by lyrics, things like that. But art never seemed like a career option for me, so my main focus was on my equestrian career.

I have been working with horses since I was 12 years old, and always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian or professional rider. In fact, I originally went to SCAD for their equestrian program, figuring that I could minor in some sort of art for fun.

I quickly decided horses were not something I could do as a career. I felt too passionately about the animals to ever truly be good at making money in that industry. So, inspired by my new surroundings and friends, I decided to try out the illustration path at SCAD and see if I could make it work. Needless to say, I instantly fell in love.

There were many ups and downs throughout my time in the illustration program. I often felt behind my peers in skill level. But I was determined to stick with it. I knew that I needed confidence, and decided to push through all the bad critiques and keep learning and refining my style.

Once I discovered surface design, it instantly clicked for me. I absolutely love illustrating patterns and creating spot illustrations, and soon decided I wanted to become a home textile designer so that I could see my patterns on bedding and towels in people’s homes.

After graduating with honors and receiving my B.F.A in Illustration with a concentration in Surface Design, I moved back home to South Florida to be near my mom and move in with my boyfriend. Four months after moving here, I was hired by Royal Heritage Home, and am now living my dream as a home textile designer!

My patterns have been on beds and towels for clients like Dillard’s, Dormify, Ross, Belk, Boscov’s, and more. I’ve been so lucky to continue learning beyond school and expand my knowledge on textiles, printing, weaving, and working with factories and suppliers.

Not only that, but I’ve also been able to continue taking commissions for illustrations, patterns, and custom pieces while working at my job. The most exciting project I’ve gotten to take on is becoming the designer for the band “Fame on Fire” I’ve done album art, stage banners, merch designs, and even decals for drum heads/speaker covers. It’s incredible to see their fans wearing the designs/illustrations I’ve made for them, as well as see my work on a stage being looked on by thousands.

I’m always up to take on any project and work with a variety of clients to meet their artistic needs and expectations.

I’m so happy that my life has taken the path it has, and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do what I love for a living!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My biggest goal in my creative journey is to become a woman and artist that would make my father proud.

The summer before my Junior year at SCAD, my father passed away. I was only 20 years old, and still struggling to see myself as an artist.

My dad was always one of my biggest supporters, while simultaneously being my toughest critic. My dad always said he wanted me to be happy, and he didn’t discourage my going to art school. However, he constantly grilled me about what my plan was, what I would do as an artist, how I would make money, and to be “realistic” about how I could support myself.

It hurts that he never got to see me at my peak in school, or get my studio job at Royal Heritage Home, or wear one of the band shirts I made, but I know he’d be incredibly proud – maybe even a little shocked – that I’ve made it as far as I have.

I’m also proud to say that I know this is only the beginning! I’m still so young and ready to expand my clientele and reach. I’ve also been working on smaller goals, like building my Instagram following, meeting more bands I could collaborate with, and expanding my website to hopefully open up an online shop soon.

With all these successes and goals in mind, I think I am definitely making my father proud.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Honestly, after having a few reels on Instagram blow up and gaining over 1000 followers in just 6 months – I wish I could say I’ve gained many clients through social media! But unfortunately, I’ve found the best thing to be word of mouth. Going to different events, meeting a variety of people, and letting them know what I do is how I have gained a majority of my commissions. That, and having people see the shirts I’ve done for Fame on Fire and then having them reach out to me, have been the two biggest driving forces in my freelance work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juledraws.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtopaper/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jule-baxter-3787271b8
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/copathetic/