We recently connected with Michelle Gore and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have never been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. It is something that I wish for so much. I have so many projects and ideas that I would like to pursue but I just can’t afford it. I like to think that if I had a larger platform these ideas could become real. It is a lot harder than it sounds. Especially when you’re not fulfilled with your current full-time job. I also believe that my lack of background in graphic arts plays a role in this. I have recently started an attempt to promote myself more on social media through time-lapse videos. Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction. I just need a chance.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was 8 years old when I decided that visual art was something I wanted to pursue professionally. A children’s book is what spiked my interest in art. I wanted to draw EVERYTHING in the Disney Book of Opposites. 9 years later, I completed my first major commission piece on a daycare wall at the age of 19. Since then, I have explored different subjects, mediums, and techniques.

Different products and services that I provide include
– Live paintings
– Paint parties
– Face painting
– Children’s Activities
– Subscription options
– Custom charcuterie boards
– Commission pieces
– Visual art professional development
– Curriculum writing

RESIN POURING
– Custom purses
– Custom tray sets
– Custom coasters
– Custom dominos

I think what sets me apart from others is how personable I am. I often ask for great detail and feedback while working on art for a client. The fact that they trust me with their ideas means a lot. I want to always make sure that the client feels like their art was made specifically for them. I want them to feel like they received exactly what they paid for and more.

During this journey, I can say that I am most proud of my growth as an artist. Despite feeling uncomfortable, I have managed to put myself out there more; sharing art whether I am pleased with it or not, promoting more services that I offer, and discovering what my style is. Although I still have a lot more work, I did not think that I would even accomplish what I have so far through my art.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

– Support artists in the most authentic way!!! DO NOT ask us for a discount. This is not just a hobby for many visual artists. It is our identity and a source of income.
– DO NOT make underhanded comments about the value of our art or how you could do it yourself. It’s perfectly fine to feel that way, just keep it to yourself.
– Share art by artists that have small platforms or followings, it helps. Memes spread like wildfire, so show that same enthusiasm for artists.
– Make things more accessible like platforms, vending, and other resources and opportunities accessible for low-income artists. a lot of us miss out on great opportunities simply because we can’t afford it
– Make artist events more accessible for working/teaching artists. I have missed so many events and opportunities for visual artists because they were during work hours.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think a lot of non-creatives struggle to understand that art is a part of my life, but it is not my life. Art is not what I do all day every day. Art is not the ONLY knowledge that I have. There are other skills and talents that I have outside of art that I wish were considered. I believe this is why it is often hard for me to find employment. Non-creatives often see that I have a background in visual arts and think those are my only skills. I feel that I am counted out before I’m even given a chance. There are days when I have no motivation to create. There are days when I am flowing with ideas. Either day, I still have the same responsibilities as non-creatives. Until I can FULLY live off my art alone, art is not my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fcartwork.com
• Instagram: finalcritiqueartwork
• Facebook: Final Critique Artwork
• Other: Instagram: @finalcritiqueartwork
  Tik Tok: final_critique_artwork