Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Orta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephanie, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I’ve been able to make it a full time for about 6 years now! I worked full time as a sales associate for about 4 years and even though my job was fun I wasn’t fully happy. I decided to save money and put in my two week notice to figure out what exactly I wanted to do! After I left, I took a two month break to see what I can do with my art. After those two months I decided to work part time in the mornings in a YMCA in my neighbor hood and do events in the afternoon. After the spring session ended, I was let go and decided to just go for it! With the encroachment of my partner and friends stated to book events and that’s how I decided to go for it!

I’m very lucky to have friends that do this full time, being an artists. Being self conscious and not having the confidence is something that stopped me before from doing my art full time during that time. They gave me that push and saw something in me that I did not see. My partner has his own business as well, so being surrounded by small business owners really helped me to push myself!

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’ve always been interested in drawing and painting. The creative side of everything! Ever since I was young, I wanted to work in the animation industry. Watching Betty boop, Disney films, cartoons is what push me to pursue this career. During high school I knew I wanted to do something in the animation/Illustration industry and applied to art school. I graduated with a major in Animation but not being able get into studios after graduating I decided to let that go. Missed drawing and working on projects, I decided to start making greeting cards for halloween & Valentines Day! That’s how Stephies Doodles started!

My work is heavily inspired by my love for vintage, Betty boop, 30’s through the 50’s, and Halloween; Fairies and mystical creatures as well! I also wanted to draw pinups and witches of color since I would hardy see myself represented when I would go to art-walks/events.

Might sound selfish, but I’m proud of myself. Proud of making it this far with my art career, even though I wanted to give-up so many times. Having a business and making art is very exhausting but something that keeps me going and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve had customers telling me how much they love my art and see themselves being represented and that makes my day and keep doing what I do. Seeing people pass by my table, smile and say it brings memories or point and say “hey that’s me !” Is what I’m proud of in my work.

I would like for future customers to feel nostalgic, love, represented, and some sense of happiness in my work. So much love and passion goes into everything being drawn and that’s what I want people to see when they stop at my table or when they open social media.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being artist and creative for me is seeing the process of my art from when I first stared to how it is now. Not only that, but having customers following my journey and seeing how much my style and confidence has changed. They usually let me know how much I’ve improved and how proud they are that I’m continuing to draw. Some even show me products they’ve bought when I started vending! The love they have for my work and the continue support they have for the fat 6+ years is amazing and encouraging.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal and mission is to eventually be part of an animation studio! Doing character design for them or being part of a stop motion film. I love what I do now and don’t see myself stopping but this career and business helps me put my work out there and pushes me to be the best version of myself. Creating a short or even a small clip of any of my characters would be amazing!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stephiesdoodles.com
• Instagram: stephiesdoodles

Image Credits
The picture of my self was takes by @christinagrim on instagram