We recently connected with Julie Ward and have shared our conversation below.

Julie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I’ve always had a creative side, but professionally, I pursued a career in public relations and marketing. I worked for agencies for the beginning of my career, then transitioned in-house. Like many people, I learned a lot about myself during the forced pause of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I was having an especially rough day being away from family and scared of the unknowns of COVID-19. I loved how children began creating rainbows to display in their windows, so I dusted off a pack of sidewalk chalk and made a rainbow on the sidewalk. I was surprised by how therapeutic the process was, silencing my thoughts and concentrating on creating. I started to leave inspirational messages, receiving gratitude from neighbors passing as I worked. My chalk art became a bright spot for others, and for the first time, my creativity provided me with purpose. The affirmation made me want to keep going.

It took me years to monetize my work. I feared that turning my creative work into a source of income would remove the joy from the process and dilute the impact of my work. And, of course, I was afraid I wasn’t good enough to be paid for this hobby that emerged out of quarantine. But thanks to incredibly supportive friends, I made the leap.

Do I wish I had gotten started sooner, of course. I wish I had signed up for art classes in college. I wish I had allowed myself to express my creativity long ago. I wish I had known I didn’t have to stay in one box or on one singular path. Maybe I would be further along. But perhaps I just wasn’t ready yet.

I would tell my younger self the same messages I tell myself today: You only get better by doing, and it helps to be doing something you love. Use your lunch break to watercolor or draw, follow and learn from artists on social media, take workshops, meet other creative-minded people, and try different things. Share your work, even if it’s scary—for no reason other than to look back and see how far you’ve come. Listen to people when they tell you that you’re talented!

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 specialize in chalk art and temporary chalk murals. Mostly, I’m hired for special events and milestones like birthdays. I work with individuals, event planners, brands, and businesses.

Chalk art is a way to make a big impact without having to settle on a permanent design, though I can do that, too! Because chalk is temporary, designs can be more timely and trendy. One square of sidewalk can be the canvas of many murals.

I also love the element of surprise that chalk art provides, especially when people say things like, “I didn’t know chalk could do that!” My art creates unexpected cheer and a unique component to any event, special occasion, or even a simple neighborhood walk.

Because I started during the pandemic when supplies were scarce, I was forced to get creative to keep up my little experiment of sidewalk joy. It was hard to get chalk, even with friends and family shipping it to me when they could find it. I collected all of the end pieces of chalk that were too short to draw with, crushed them in ziplock bags, and then added water to make chalk paint. This opened up so many more ways I could use chalk. I even started painting on the utility pole near my house.

I now use several techniques based on the design I’m working on and the surface. Sometimes, the best way to get bright, vibrant colors is to work with dry chalk. I’ve used different tools like pool noodles to blend, but fingers are always the best (don’t look at my hands too closely!). I live in New Orleans, so smooth sidewalks are a rarity. I’ve found the best way to create smooth designs and clean lines is by applying the chalk first and then painting over it with water. It’s almost like watercolor on the sidewalk! I still mix up chalk paint for large jobs with big blocks of colors.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was laid off by Coastal Living magazine, where I worked in marketing. I chose to look for my next move in a new city. I settled in New Orleans, which became my best decision ever. The city opened my eyes to so many different ways of living that I never even considered before. I’ve not only learned more about myself but also about others. Living in shotgun houses built inches apart makes it impossible not to know your neighbors. Getting to know so many people different than me has made me a more open-minded, compassionate person. While I would like to think I’ve always had a big heart, this city opened it up to a lot more people. And of course, this city is overflowing with creativity. I credit New Orleans for allowing me to express myself through art.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Support local artists! By buying something or commissioning a special piece of art, you’re helping artists bring more beautiful work into the world. Art is so important, and it is important that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it. Think about what you feel when something beautiful stops you in your tracks. What would the world be like if more people could have those moments?

Encourage children to create! Nothing will ever replicate the magic of creating something from your own hands and heart. I still remember art projects I made as a kid, but not a single math test. Teach your kids the value of art and the value of artists. If they say they want to be an artist when they grow up, tell them to go for it!

Contact Info:

• Website: laurelchalk.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkbyjulie/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ward/
• Other: Check out my little free creative library, Millie’s House! It pays tribute to my Boston Terrier, Millie, while encouraging neighbors to create. It’s filled with arts and crafts supplies!

Image Credits
Katie Sikora