We recently connected with Natalie Grigson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Natalie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

As a writer and an artist, I have to say the biggest trend I am seeing, for better or worse, is the use of A.I.

We’ve all seen those hyper-realistic looking images (albeit with maybe a few extra fingers) — maybe of a little girl holding a baby bird or something sweet. They evoke a strong emotion. Then we find out, it was created with A.I. It somehow feels like we’ve been cheated; those tears were tricked from us in a way.

Chatbots can quite literally write (albeit pretty basic and often wildly inaccurate) novels or papers.

But in both fields, A.I. is the biggest trend now, and I imagine in the future.

I don’t think A.I. will ever be able to truly replace human creativity and the emotion that goes into art or storytelling – and I hope that we as a species continue to value these things enough to pay real artists and writers to continue their craft.

Natalie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Natalie – I’m an author, artist, and facilitator from here in Austin. I’m the author of eight books, including the bestselling Peter Able series. A few years ago I started teaching my own 10-week creative writing courses here in Austin. Yada, yada, yada, a global pandemic happened, and now I offer all of my writing classes and groups online, with the seasonal weekend-long writing workshop here in Austin.

I also offer one-on-one writing coaching for authors and would-be authors who need help getting started, as well as editing and ghostwriting services.

Aside from writing, I am an improviser and artist. I teach improv classes and workshops in Austin, with extra focus on connection and mindfulness. As far as art goes – I illustrate books, I create customized artwork, and I have fun playing with makeup and face paint.

So I wear a few hats.

If you’re somebody who is interested in writing, art, or improv, or needs help with a project in any of these areas, give me a follow on Instagram or go to my website for more information.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Writing, making art, and playing (a.k.a., improv) are good for my soul. When I do these things on a regular basis, I am a healthier and happier person. So to be able to make living doing the things that nourish my soul, I gotta say, is pretty cool.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

When I speak about clients, I am talking about individuals who want to take my classes, who want to commission artwork, or who want to hire me to write, edit, or coach them in the writing process.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, the number one way I have managed to gain new clients is honestly word of mouth. Developing solid relationships with clients and students – actually doing the hard work of creating a quality, worthwhile offer – and having that be good enough that people recommend me to their friends or family.

As things change in the economy and workforce, more and more, this is a game about “Who do you know?” So if you’re looking for new clients, new work, new opportunities, my first suggestion is to make your ask very clear, and then reach out to anyone and everyone you know. If you’ve proven your work, word will spread.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nataliegrigson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_natalie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNatalieGrigson/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliegrigson/