Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Steph Littlebird. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Steph, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I am proud to be an artist. Being a creative in this world comes with a certain power/authority that can be used to make an impact on the world. I worked in the corporate world for over a decade and the only thing I miss about it is the regular paycheck. I am an entrepreneur now and largely determine my own schedule. Being an artist comes with certain responsibilities but also freedoms.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an Indigenous artist from Portland, Oregon. I descend from the Chinook and Kalapuyan people of the Willamette Valley and much of the work I do is in service to my community, both locally and more broadly across the US. I work frequently an illustrator in the children’s book world. I am also known for my political and social justice artworks, collaborating with brands like LucasFilms, Yahoo!, Luna Bar, and Deschutes Brewing. Many people have discovered my work through the platform Instagram (@artnerdforever) where I share my process and projects regularly. I also work with academic institutions like University of Oregon and Oregon State University throughout the school year visiting with students and teaching about Indigenous art and history as well as lecturing on contemporary Indigenous topics like the land acknowledgment trend and the Land Back movement. My first Children’s book “My Powerful Hair” was recently named one of 2023’s best books by NPR, Kirkus Magazine and Good Sense Media.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an Indigenous artist, my work often relates to my community. Creating with Natives in mind, I want to make content that uplifts them, that inspires them. Native people deserve to see themselves reflected in the world. I grew up in a world where Disney’s Pocahontas was the only mainstream representation of Indigenous women. Now young Native people can see people like them through creatives like myself, and larger media representations such as Rez Dogs, or Rutherford Falls.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Pay attention to what content people like of yours. Notice what the react to with comments and shares, take note of those trends and identify what is working in your process. Keep doing that. People love to see the creative process demystified because everyone thinks what we do is “magic” so witnessing the act of creation can generate authentic fascination.
Speaking of authenticity… be yourself. Make work that resonates with your own life experiences, this will make whatever you create that much stronger. Don’t be afraid to experiment but also stay true to yourself and ignore the critics. If you love your art, then that’s really all that matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: StephLittlebird.com
- Instagram: @artnerdforever
Image Credits
Steph Littlebird