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

Julie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Are you happier as an artist or creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Tell us the story about the last time you had that thought, what was going on, really paint the picture for us so we can understand what you were going through and how you thought through this question and what (if any) conclusions or insights you came to.

Overall, I am much happier being an Artist full-time. Of course the thought crosses my mind from time to time. Especially around the holidays when I am at my busiest. The last few weeks for instance, I have had so many more inquiries for commission pieces and murals than last year. There was a point when I was surrounded by half finished canvas, framed Charleston prints, and a slue of coasters that I had prepped for my local vendors. I had three murals that were at different stages of my process, and two shows booked that I still needed to prepare for. I am the only person who can create my products. There was a moment where I thought, “I could just work a 9-5, and do what someone else tells me to do and avoid all of this stress.” I took a step back, and reminisced about where I had come from, the work that I had put into all of this, and all of the beautiful things that came out of it. I get to work my own schedule, do what I love, and see so much good come from it. Yes, it can get busy at times, but try I remind myself to take peoples interest in my work as the biggest compliment of all, and that makes everything worth it.

Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I definitely have been able to earn what I would with a full-time job, if not more. When I first started out I was only selling at art shows, and taking on a few commissions. It wasn’t until I started doing murals, taking on more commissions, and diversifying my products based on client feedback, that I was able to really grow my income aggressively. Once I got in a groove of understanding my customer base, I began to recruit retail locations for wholesale and vendor partnerships. I realized that people like what I create, but I had to constantly look for ways for my art to be visible, accessible, and unique. Everything in the small business world is a learning process. Im sure I could have ended up where I am now much faster, but I don’t think that would have been beneficial. It truly was the struggle of figuring this thing out, and overcoming the obstacles that honed the business side of me that was not there before. My artwork also evolved with my business, and for that, I would not change anything about my journey.

When was the first time you knew you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally? Give us the backstory, so we can understand the context and the circumstances and re-experience that moment with you.

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was in college. My freshman year I majored in fine arts. I knew deep down that my passion was in the arts, but I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make a living, so I switched my major. After I got my first job out of college I continued to pursue art on the side. On the weekends I would sell at local shows and eventually started taking on clients who wanted custom pieces. My art career gradually took off and after the pandemic my dreams of being a professional artist became reality.

If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later? Give us the backstory – when did you start, where were you at life-wise/career-wise? What would starting later or sooner have been like for you? What would have changed about your experience and looking back do you wish you had started sooner, later or at the same time?

I started on this path exactly when I was meant to. I had always aspired to make a living with my passions, and art was always my escape. I was at a turning point in my personal development already, when life decided to close the door on my professional career and open another. I found my purpose in creating full-time. I saw joy come from my work, and gained a satisfaction that I had never had prior. I don’t think I would have been as successful if I had started my business sooner, and I wouldn’t have become the person I am today if I had started later. For me, this course was set at the perfect time by forces that I will always be grateful for.

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’m a full time Charleston based artist + muralist. At a young age I started attending drawing and painting lessons, where I found a love for art. In college I took numerous studio art courses to further my education in the art field. With my eye for interior design, I enthusiastically take on private painting commissions for lacking spaces in offices + homes. I’m known for my colorful abstracts with gold leaf, tropical botanical paintings and low country inspired pieces. My biggest local sellers are my watercolors of Charleston landmarks and handmade coaster sets. I also paint dog portraits, house renderings and seasonal decorations (Christmas ornaments etc.). Along with canvas paintings, I found a love for mural work and offer custom home and business wall art. You can find my larger murals all over Charleston. I was also recently featured on HGTV’s Rock The Block.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Before I was a full time artist I worked in the hospitality industry as an event planner for a catering company. When Covid hit I lost my job. During that time I had to make a decision… either try to take my art career to the next level or stick it out and try to find work elsewhere. I decided to take the opportunity to follow my passion and pursue art. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the more rewarding aspects of being a creative is getting the opportunity to make the world a more beautiful place. It’s so satisfying to see a before and after of a building I did a mural for. I also love doing custom paintings, like dog portraits or house rendering that brings a client to tears. Anytime someone shops my small business I do a little happy dance inside.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artbyjuliewheeler.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyjuliewheeler/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyjuliewheeler/