We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Quinn Long. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Quinn below.
Alright, Quinn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I definitely would have started sooner! I have been a creative since I was in elementary school. My mother could draw very well and she taught me things at a young age; so, I was familiar with art. After I graduated from high school, I enlisted in the military and of course it had to take a backseat. When I completed my service, it took me awhile to transition back into civilian lifestyle, and it took me awhile to figure out what exactly it was I wanted to do. I enrolled in college and started out with a major of Art Education. I loved it! However, once I started with the studio classes, I wanted to go deeper into learning new ways to create. I eventually changed my major to BA in studio art. I had some of the BEST instructors at Converse College and I learned a great deal. They challenged my creativity and pushed me to think outside the box. Once I graduated, I started creating from my apartment and entering local art shows. My first major art show that I was accepted in was at the Spartanburg library and I actually received an honorable mention. It was a proud moment and that’s when I realized I wanted to pursue my artistic talents further.
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 born in York, SC and later my family moved to Chester, SC. All through high school, I was enrolled in art classes and the JROTC program. When I graduated, I didn’t have knowledge of schools that would cater to my creative abilities, so I enlisted in the military. Once I completed my service, I discovered a whole new world of art when I enrolled in college. Fast forward I now host paint parties, sell my artwork online, create personalized gifts for special occasions. I’m most proud of how I was able to thrust myself into the art world and be successful in it. I pride myself with the ability to use my gift to amaze my customers. I love thinking outside the box and reinventing myself. I love that I am trusted by others to use my “creative genius” to express any work of art or service that I am commissioned to do.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the emotion that is evoked when a person sees my work, whether it be positive or negative; as long as the viewer feels SOMETHING, I’m satisfied! Art is subjective, there are many angles that it can be viewed. That’s what I love about it!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was once a piece is created and you price it based off your supplies, time and efforts…DO NOT change it! I think a lot of people don’t understand how much thought and energy goes into a work of art. Sometimes it can be stressful! Artists put their heart into their work. It is a very serious process, and we can sometimes be sensitive to criticism, but you must remain true to yourself and your craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.qlcreations.net
- Instagram: @qlcreations
- Facebook: Artistic Queen
