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

Alright, Madison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

In the beginning, I was not exactly making a living through creative work. I always set art aside as somewhat of an ‘extracurricular’ given the common perception that it’s difficult to earn a real living as an artist. As far as my own art was concerned, I would work on it second to university, teaching English or working in the restaurant industry. I covered my bases (paid the rent) before taking risks with my time or interests.

At first, it was mainly friends and family who would purchase my original drawings on Etsy. When I had occasional random customers purchasing my food illustrations and hip hop typography pieces, I truly felt validated. Despite undervaluing my time, effort and abilities, it felt like a world of possibilities was potentially opening up. The next steps were: First, to find an art style and subject that wasn’t so niche – designs and products that appealed to a wider audience, but something I still enjoyed. Second, I had to find a way to replicate my drawings at an affordable rate while upholding the quality of the detail and watercolors.

After a couple of years on the restaurant work grind and toying with prints, I had honed my focus as an artist. In March of 2020, I created my Richmond Classics piece – it was the first thing I ever posted on the internet that caught traction. I had about 20 prints made, which sold out in a day. After having more printed and creating a couple of similar designs – which also sold far more than any of my previous work – I knew something special was happening. I knew I had found that balance of niche and popular. Eventually, I realized it might be enough to quit my full time job. Taking that plunge was the best decision I’ve ever made. While I thought I finally had time to pursue all avenues of art I could dream of, I was immediately preoccupied with the products, style and subjects at hand. I’ve had my hands full ever since – and even made enough of a living to uproot my life and expand my business to southern California. Three years later, Mad Kitchen Co. is in full swing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I create and sell pen and watercolor art prints through my Etsy shop, Mad Kitchen Co. I also freelance for musicians, nonprofits, events, restaurants and other small businesses when time permits. Whether it’s murals, signage, invitations, packaging, logos or album art… I’m always creating.

During college, I started out working as a pastry cook for a restaurant group in Richmond, VA. When the owners noticed my cake decorating abilities and attention to visual detail, they employed me for several additional creative projects regarding the brand’s aesthetic. Before long, artwork and design became my primary role within the business. From chalkboards to signage, murals, product packaging, food photography, even website layout and specialty desserts. Even if I was making just over minimum wage, I was now being paid to draw and design with some small amount of creative freedom (and no degree in art). It was the beginning of my journey as a professional creative. The perfect circumstances really came together for me at this job. I realized I was working as an artist – and I enjoyed it – but I assumed it would never be permanent, nor would there be enough room for growth in terms of my position or in terms of a paycheck.

After a couple of years of doing this, I stepped away from this role to experience living abroad. In Spain, I pursued creativity independently through blogging, photography, typography art and next-to-free illustration gigs. Even though my work was small-time, very few people read my blog and I wasn’t making money, I was happy exploring this creative space. I loved being in charge of my own projects, taking initiative and being accountable for myself. It was just a hobby – a side hustle at best – but I was starting to feel consistently passionate, motivated and curious.

When it was time to return to the US in 2018, I sought out a salaried job with the restaurant group who previously employed me. They created a new position for me on the management team where I had my hand in all creative projects. It was the first time that I was valued and appreciated for something that came naturally to me – and in a professional environment. The owners’ enthusiasm and belief in me really made me feel that I was on the right track. I had always struggled with where I’d end up career-wise… and here, I was getting warmer.

In 2020, I reached a tipping point. I wasn’t fulfilled if I wasn’t optimizing my time using everything I learned and the skills I gained. It was time to take the plunge and push my independent pursuits as hard as I could. In the middle of 2020, it felt like I had little to lose. I quit working as an employee and I’ve never looked back. My Richmond Classics series gained popularity on Etsy. I started receiving custom requests and my markets, pop-ups and wholesale business kept me busy. My product selection quickly multiplied and I was honing my newfound signature style. Mad Kitchen Co. immediately became my world.

My work is a reflection of the things I am interested in and appreciate. Mad Kitchen Co. artwork is similar to my blog, The Mad Kitchen, in that it seeks to inspire others to explore, travel, celebrate local communities and small business culture. My first series that gained any traction was meant to honor the 2020 experience of local communities, small businesses and restaurants. I wanted to pay homage to Richmond, VA. Our city is so awesome due to the distinctive array of cultural and historical influences on everyday life. My favorite cities throughout the world possess that to some degree. I think it’s why my artwork resonates with so many people. I’m not creating fine art that is ambiguous and leaves you guessing. I’m creating illustrations of your neighborhood restaurants, corner stores, dive bars and record shops that define your experience in a new place. For long term residents, I’m drawing your home, where you grow, create memories and have new experiences. For new residents, I offer a carefully curated visual guide.

I’m proud that after experimenting with so many types of art and subjects, that my current Etsy shop products are what took off. I’m honored that my idea of celebrating Richmond, Charlottesville, Newport, San Diego etc. is shared by so many.

Have you ever had to pivot?

While I had so many creative interests growing up, I just didn’t think it was realistic or practical to attempt a career working in art, music or the culinary world. Most people would say that you can’t make any money at it or the industry is what we now deem ‘toxic’. Therefore, I just assumed it would never work out. My parents’ taking me traveling as a kid did, however, did pose some potential value in career paths such as politics and international relations.

I chose to study political science, Middle Eastern/North African studies and Arabic at VCU because growing up, I just couldn’t make sense of US relations with that part of the world. The complicated nature of a region with so many varied countries, cultures, languages, religions and histories created a big question mark for me in history class. With 9/11 serving as a defining moment for my generation, my interest intensified. I desperately wanted to work in diplomacy or counterterrorism and gain and meaningful understanding and role in US-MENA relations, but I found it difficult and at times, discouraging, trying to break into that field.

After a year out of college, I decided to teach English abroad. I moved to Europe with the intention of expanding upon my senior thesis. It explored global case studies regarding societal conditions that permit vacuums for extremism and, in turn, rises in terrorist organizations. I thought that cultural immersion in Europe would present valuable perspectives for my studies.

Instead, upon arriving to southern Spain, I immediately gravitated towards creative outlets. It was just comforting at first, but creative practices became something that kept me centered, focused and positive. Daily blogging, photographing and drawing became a disciplined routine. Friends and colleagues noticed and commended my projects from time to time. It was the first time I felt like something that came naturally to me could be more than just a hobby. While I had been set on working in international relations, it felt more like a grueling chore just trying to figure out how to get my foot in the door. By comparison, creating was effortless.

After a year, I’d spent enough time trying something different from the academic path in international relations I had been fighting for. I knew I wanted to see how far I could take my creative interests. I figured that if I failed with blogging or art, I could always go back to school. The stress and frustration of trying to break into such an intense field didn’t seem worth it anymore. I still feel a passion for international relations. I still wonder about lost potential to make a difference in a very harrowing field of work. But it never seemed meant to be.

Committing to at least trying another direction was the best decision for me. Following my instincts came with rewards. I feel like what I’m doing now has, in a way, had a positive impact and it allows me to give back to things that I care about. The bottom line is that you have to spend time figuring out what you DON’T want to do before you hit the mark. This requires flexibility and a willingness to pivot.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, there are several rewarding aspects to being a creative.

I feel like I’m finally able to inspire others to explore and appreciate different parts of the world the way I had attempted with IR, travel blogging, photography and cooking. Something about my artwork caught traction. Folks are usually attracted to one piece in my collection of designs. Then other pieces will catch their eye and pique their interest. Before you know it, I’m sharing what’s so great about Richmond, VA with countless San Diegans and vice versa.

Because the subject of most of my artwork is community-oriented, the process of creating involves a lot of engagement and human interaction. Initially, I illustrated only Richmond, Virginia, which I know like the back of my hand. As I began to grow and expand my collections of art to different cities and states, it became a learning process. I have to take time to get to know an area and do my research before summing it up in a drawing. This often involves online polling, conversations at markets/events/pop-ups and discussions with locals. It has become a tremendously rewarding and educational process that connects me to a community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/madkitchenco
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madkitchen_co/
• Other: www.madisonpollard.com