We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ollie Schoo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ollie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Simply sharing my art has been a risk. Being open to whatever the reaction may be. I’ve realized there’s a priceless benefit in sharing, whether people like your art or not. It has helped me to see more clearly how others feel – and how I feel. When I share a piece and receive a different reaction than expected, it teaches me something about the world. And within myself, I can explore whether I agree or disagree with that reaction. Significant realizations would be lost without the act of sharing.

Ollie, 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?

One night in 2021 I was lying in bed restless at 2am. I was trying to force myself to sleep with sheer willpower alone – in the absolute absence of tranquility. Earlier that day I had thought, “I need to create something visual.” I’ve loved to write for many years, but it wasn’t enough. I needed to express myself in a visual way. So finally I said, ok forget it – I’m not sleeping. And I got up and made a collage. It was and is to this day the ugliest collage you’ve ever seen. Still, I found a lot of relief and connection with my own feeling in making it. Ever since then I’ve been using collage as a means to express my inner feeling. I hope that by sharing my art, I can bring relatability and relief to others who also feel some unspoken thing. Whether it be the same or different from my own.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Connection and friendship are the most important things in life. We need each other. Being an artist is a way to share a special piece of yourself with the world. It opens you up to connect with others in so many ways. That’s what I think I’m most grateful for. I could make art and keep it to myself (that’s what I’ve done most of my life!) but it’s more meaningful this way. Honestly, I wish I had started sharing my art sooner.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Well, I’m still building it honestly. I don’t have a ton of followers. But I will share what contributed to the growth I have had. Go to events and meet people in person. Make your content the best quality you can (background, camera quality, composition, lighting etc). Be engaged, genuinely support other artists and creators that you like. Keep posting consistently regardless of reaction!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ollieschoo.univer.se/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollies_exchange_/