We were lucky to catch up with Sara Shuster recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

In college, a friends mom asked me to make a set of cards for her as she was exploring chakras in the human body. I took time to learn about her experiences, and she trusted me to come up with a functional product that reflected her story. As an art major, I was grateful to be taken seriously as an artist, and paid for my ideas and skills. This was the foundation of starting my greeting card business in college and paving the way to make a living doing art.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an artist, writer, and designer with perceptive eyes, a sensitive heart, and a creative mind. I find meaning and significance in my everyday experiences and in turn create art that conveys our shared commonalities.

In a story I did not know I would tell, I seek to inspire, encourage, and connect others through my art and words. Creating art that conveys a message of love, hope and connection grounds me, and sharing my art has served as a language of sorts with others, and fosters healing on both ends.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is really all about how to foster connection. In a world where so many feel alone, I want my art and gratitude practice to reach people so we as a society can be more connected versus disconnected. Hearts are a universal symbol of love, adored by so many, and hard to argue with! Finding commonalities brings people closer, rather than pushing them farther away. Sharing the hearts I find and photograph can speak without using any words. My art has encouraged others to find, stand, thank and share the hearts they find in the world, and then the sharing back and forth of our photos and experiences establishes a connection that becomes a gift for both parties.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I view being an artist a gift. To be able to explore issues, and problem solve while sharing myself and my story with the world through a variety of different mediums is incredibly fulfilling. Art allows me to learn, contemplate, question, grow, heal, and stay connected in the present with myself and then with others. We need more of this connection in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.standwithheart.com
• Instagram: @standwithheart
• Facebook: standwithheart
• Other: www.artfulstyles.com