We were lucky to catch up with LeeAnn Sowers recently and have shared our conversation below.

LeeAnn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Yes, I am definitely happy that I chose to work for myself as a creative. Sure, there are times that having a “regular” job would be much easier, but in doing so, I believe I wouldn’t feel as fulfilled. Being an artist and a creative, I constantly get to challenge and surprise myself which I found is what I appreciate most, and what lacked most in a “normal” job.

I have worked in many different “normal” jobs: full time, part-time, 9-5, to nights & weekends. All those jobs no matter the hours worked or time spent there, made me feel like I was missing out on something. Missing out on time that I could be putting into bettering myself, my craft, and overall my creativity!

LeeAnn, 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?

I went to California State University, Northridge aiming to study nutrition and exercise science. Although the end of my sophomore year I completely switched routes and decided to pursue a degree in graphic design and minor in social media marketing. I completely engulfed myself in the Art’s department trying to catch up to those who have been decided since first going to CSUN. Although technically I was behind, I started working for a student ran creative agency which allowed me to improve my skills as well as gain experience working directly with clients and team projects. I used this agency to help me decide to focus on web and graphic design, although I was very passionate about illustration.

After graduating I moved back to Washington, worked some part time and full time jobs, and continued to fill my free time with any opportunity to be creative – drawing, designing – you name it. I eventually, with much encouragement, took the leap to start my own business in 2019. I continued to work for others while navigating the ups and downs of owning your own business. I even landed a job at a small creative agency as a full time website designer in 2020. That job was a turning point for me. I was surrounded by creatives and for the first time I was encouraged to combine my illustration and design skills. My coworkers gave me confidence that I was more than just good at my job, that my creative opinion mattered, and I was talented.

Unfortunately, after about a year I had to choose between my own business and the creative agency, and to my own shock even, decided not to people please and I listened to my gut, trusting in myself. I was back in my home town doing my best to gain clients, improve my craft, and figure out what I wanted for myself and my business. In the summer of 2022, I officially started worked for myself full time. The last year and a half has been a complete world wind. I have learned so much about not only business, (art, design, photography) but myself as well.

I’m a creative that is constantly inspired by the western lifestyle. I specialize in graphite illustrations, branding, and lifestyle photography. I continue to balance the demand of current project while I work towards my goal focussing on fine arts with my illustrations.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think this year has been a consistant pivoting stage for me and my business. I am continuously learning how to market myself in response to client demand while trying fulfill my creative cup. I am learning what type of work drives me, and who those clients look like. Connecting it all while balancing the day in and day out of current projects and small business tasks is difficult no doubt, but I am slowly working towards producing more artwork. Although I enjoy design and photography immensely, I am extremely passionate about illustration and fine art. I feel this year is one of the first times I have been able to believe in my talent enough to market it to the public. I am very excited for what’s to come.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is helping others bring their ideas to life. I think that’s what I do comes down to. Most of my clients have at least a vague idea of what they want the outcome of their project to be. I am just the one who helps them make that happen. It is so motivating to see them so excited about a how a project, illustration, or photoshoot turned out.

Evoking emotion is what I strive for in all my work. I feel so much that I want to share that with others in anything I do, so it is most rewarding when that is achieved.

Contact Info:

• Website: simpleedesigns.com
• Instagram: @simplee.designs

Image Credits
Samie Jo Brune Carli Rhoden