We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Racquel Wyatt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Racquel, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Let’s start with the fact that being a creative is hard work. Being a full-time creative can be even more difficult. I spent 10.5 months as a full-time creative before I made the decision to go back to school for my undergraduate degree. That time period stretched me as an artist & as a business woman. I thought that within 6 months I would certainly be wealthy off of my work alone, but the reality is, when you’re a creative or an entrepreneur majority of the profits somehow go back into your business. Ultimately you end up spending more in the first 18-24 months, than you do earning & saving. I know for a fact, that if I would have saved more or had a part-time job during that season, that I would have been in a better position overall.
Racquel, 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?
My name is Racquel Wyatt, I am 30 years old and I am a creative! I come from a creative, artsy family so it was inevitable that I would be in this line of work; I just didn’t know what it would look like. I am a self-taught graphic designer, but currently in school for my undergraduate degree in graphic design (excited, okay?). I began my design career, in my teens with designing puffy paint shirts, sketching and random crafts. From there I worked up to digital art and it’s where I’ve been ever since.
A few things about me: I am a social butterfly, I love people and I want to see them win. I am a conversationalist, family orientated, I love to laugh & I take pride in everything that I do.
Beyond that, I guess I should officially use the term “social media personality”. I am the host of, “Let’s Talk Sugga” that airs on Thursday evenings on IG live. It is a platform that launched in July for transparent, open conversation about life, life/work balance, mental health & spirituality. It started as a “summer project”, but it continues to grow so we’re going to ride out this journey to see where we land.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?
I get the biggest joys out of helping entrepreneurs and brand personalities bring their creative dreams to life. When we get to the drawing board and they give me a concept, I do my best to capture everything I can while asking questions if I don’t understand something. When I return the draft to them, and they’re beyond pleased… You can’t tell me anything, my job is complete. Honestly, if my clients are satisfied, the invoice payment is a bonus to me.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’m currently living in a pivot. After being a creative for a little over 6 months, I was led to apply for school. Now, school is something I said I’d never ever try again because I “failed” so badly the first time. On another hand, the school I wanted was out of state and 3 hours from home. Meaning I would have to leave my comfort zone to get this accomplished. Well, I applied to the school of my choice and was denied in June 2022. Consequently, I was redirected to another school in the same city as my first choice and was accepted. In August 2022, I packed up my belongings and moved from Columbus, GA to Tallahassee, FL. I am now (still) finding the balance between creative, student, media personality, as well life. (Honey, somebody pray)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/racqcwyatt
- Instagram: youcancallmeracq
- Linkedin: Racquel Charise Wyatt
- Twitter: racqsaidwhat
Image Credits
-Osi Visuals -Gumbo Sampson (GSV) -The Pentaxx Guy -Cedric Searcy