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

Hi Loren, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

My very first sale was as a kidpreneur pop up at my local Boys and Girls Club. My mentor at the club saw that I had an interest in art and drawing but I had never pursued anything outside of my own notebook. She encouraged me to let her imprint one of my drawings on a sweatshirt and she’d sell them for me. I allowed her to do so and she also paid for my entrance into the pop up. I was nervous because I had never sold my art before or thought I had enough products to even sell, but she had faith in me. My family helped prepare and my mom bought all my supplies for me to create canvases, bags, you name it to sell and I sold out! I was shocked and hooked and continued to create art and improve with every stroke.

Loren, 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?

As a teen I have the ability to use my art as my voice. I can share my fears, passion, laughs and tears all in a single image. I started simply as a way to express myself and now I see art as a way of supporting myself. I have been commissioned to create paintings for people all over and won awards and support for my work. My art primarily focuses on Black people, culture and community mixed in with the playfulness of my youth. What sets me apart from other teens that love painting is that I am determined to make this my career. I no longer say to others that I like to paint but I say that I am an artist.

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

Society would benefit by supporting artists and creatives earlier while they are young. We are often quick to pay thousands for established adult artists’ work but won’t do the same for young artists. We devote the same amount of time and effort into our pieces and should be compensated accordingly. We should also have more access to artists residencies, funding, showcases and mentorships as well to help us develop our craft just as our adult peers.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Something non-creatives struggle to understand is how we create. Inspiration is not linear and easy to reproduce. We have to be inspired and motivated to create and there is no time or reason to the magic. My own family often struggles with my ebb and flow of creativity because I can go months without painting and then quickly paint 10 pieces in a night. I have to let my art move me and that’s what makes it so special.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lolosartdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loloisartdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loloisartdesigns

Image Credits
Cimone Key