We recently connected with Lindsay Hook and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

For me, going back to a regular job would only happen if it was a necessity. I would also deeply consider changing careers from what I was previously doing as a graphic designer. I recently had to think about it as cost of living has gone up quite a bit and I know a lot of small businesses that are not doing as well these days. Thankfully, I am still in a point of growth and have been doubling my profit every year for the last 4 years, so I believe I might come out okay despite the roller coaster of the economy.

Why I am so hesitant to go back to a traditional job is that I am in my element as a self-employed artist. It is definitely a dream job that suits my every quirk. Even when I had a budding career as a graphic designer, it wasn’t the right fit for me but maybe not for the reasons you might think. I enjoyed working on a team but I constantly felt burnt out having to constantly create within the rigidity of a 9-5 and doing the same kind of work over and over.

I have a neurodivergent brain that thrives on change and a flexible schedule. All things I can control as my own boss. I love the variety of the day-to-day work, the creative problem solving involved in running a business, and that I can pursue new ideas to my heart’s content.

Lindsay, 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 Lindsay Hook and I hold a BA in graphic design from California State University, Chico. I work as a freelance illustrator from my home studio in Northern California with my husband, two kids, and chocolate Labrador. 

I worked for several years as a graphic designer before starting my freelance business Off the Hook Studio in 2019. A year later, I opened up my online shop, Lantern Print Co. to design and sell my own products. 

My work includes a lot of whimsical themes, with storybook and fantasy influences. My subject matter includes botanicals, creatures, and moody color palettes. I also recently made a cozy themed tarot deck called The Lighted Window Tarot.

I currently run a Patreon for sending exclusive monthly prints to my followers, sell my products wholesale, and occasionally take on commissioned work. I also offer licensing on my illustrations and pattern work. But these days the majority of my time goes into product creation and fulfilling orders for wholesale clients.

Lantern Print Co. started from my desire to create art with witchy and magical themes but it has evolved into a personal journey of self-reflection and wanting to put art into the world that is comforting, hopeful, and comes from a place of kindness.

I have always been hard working and resilient, but I am most proud of my accomplishment of creating a thriving business despite a lifetime of neurodivergency that creates a lot of barriers in being successful.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was actually fired from my first design job out of college. It was a huge shock for me since I was always told how talented I was and I worked really hard to get my degree while juggling several internships. But what I later found out, despite having the talent, I was struggling with undiagnosed ADHD. Once I got my diagnosis and started treatment, I was able to build my creative business into what it is today. Despite the huge blow being fired right out of college did to my confidence and mental health, I did not give up on my creative aspirations.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I actually recently found out that the National park service does an Artist-in-residence program that pays you to live in one of the parks and create art inspired by the environment. I think this is something I would have loved to apply for early on in my career. I also wish I knew to search for local small business grants to jump start my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lanternprintco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanternprintco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaymariasmith/