We recently connected with LaShawnda Mansfield and have shared our conversation below.

LaShawnda, 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?

If I could go back in time, I definitely would have started my creative career sooner. Attending a performing arts middle and high school, the history of artists we studied was only those who had passed, and whose work was being sold, auctioned, and/or stolen while their families, for the most part, never saw the money or the wealth from their work. I was surrounded by a bunch of “starving artists” or people who did art as a hobby and not really as a career. And those who did have art as a career were teachers. I did not want to teach at the time.

If I knew what I know now, as a high school student preparing for what comes next and applying to college, I would have taken my art portfolio much more seriously. Instead, I focused on what path would make me the most money because, let’s be honest, I did not want to be poor. I did keep art in my life in many ways. I chose art as a minor, even though I was attending undergrad for public health. After graduating and attending grad school, creating art was not part of my life or my focus. I may have done a few portraits, but it wasn’t often.

If I had started taking art seriously sooner, I know for a fact I would be very successful as a creative, way more art shows, featured collections in museums, a studio to work in, collaborating with brands, and so much more. Even my skills would be far better now. That break from creating during grad school definitely put a halt on my growth as an artist once I started back up. However, I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. I created my reality. The path I took gave me the experiences and memories I needed for my life.

LaShawnda, 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 LaShawnda, but people call me LaLa. I got into the art world when I moved to Atlanta in 2017. I did my first art show, called Pancakes and Booze, and made my first sale too. I do portraits, wearable art, sculptures, jewelry, and more — you name it, I know I can recreate it for you. That is what sets me apart from others. I dabble in many skills, including making clothes. I am what they call a jack of all trades — a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one. I am most proud of the fact that I did not limit myself to just one skill. I allowed my willingness to learn and absorb everything to work to my advantage as an artist.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom of self-expression and the joy of creating. It really is like meditating for me, resetting my nervous system and quieting my mind.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal that is driving my creative journey is the possibility of getting paid to create. With social media being a way to make money based on views and engagement for many. I would love to have that to fund my habit of buying art supplies and fabric.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.createdbylala.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createdbylala?igsh=MW1kdzB1OTQwb295aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@createdbylala