We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sunni Ann Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sunni Ann below.
Sunni Ann, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
How did you learn to do what you do?
Creativity has always been a part of who I am. As a child, I was constantly drawing, creating, and occasionally causing trouble with a crayon in hand. When I was about nine, I had a moment that shifted how I saw art. A friend drew a scene with perspective, and I was captivated by how real it looked. In that instant, I knew I wanted to learn how to do that. She mentioned taking art classes at a local studio, and I begged my parents to let me enroll.
Those early classes were focused on realism, and later in college my perspective on art expanded to think creatively and explore concepts. Over time, I’ve blended those foundations with my own curiosity, alternating between refining traditional skills and experimenting with new ideas. Art has always been an evolving path for me, one where I’m constantly exploring and learning.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Looking back, I realize how valuable it is to master very detailed fundamentals early. I wish I had been more vocal about asking for step by step guidance on specifics like, in depth color theory for example, and not just the broader philosophies of art. Being immersed in specific techniques could have speed up the learning for me.
I also would’ve made daily sketching a habit. Drawing from life consistently sharpens your skills and trains your eye. When I step away from creating for too long, I always feel a bit rusty. Keeping that momentum is crucial, and I’ve learned that consistent practice is one of the most valuable tools for growth. I always think back and know that if I had dedicated more time in my sketchbook and I would be further along in my practice.
Visiting more art museums and experiencing artwork in person earlier in my practice would have significantly accelerated my learning process as well. There’s something transformative about seeing the texture, layers, and brushwork up close that a photograph cannot capture. Observing how an artist builds highlights or moves paint across a surface offers insights that can deepen the understanding on how artworks are made.
What skills do you think are most essential?
Composition is the foundation of any successful piece and the structure that guides the viewer’s eye. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that no matter how vibrant the colors or precise the details, a weak composition will hold a piece back. A strong composition is what transforms a work into impactful art.
Equally important is the discipline of showing up and practicing regularly. While it might not sound like a traditional “skill”, consistency is essential for growth. Creating space for daily practice allows creativity to flow and builds confidence in your abilities over time.
Another essential skill that is often overlooked when thinking of being an artist is understanding business and marketing. As artists, we are creators at heart, but to share our work with the world and make a sustainable living, we need to think like entrepreneurs. This includes learning how to price work, manage finances, and communicate our vision effectively. Marketing is equally important, from writing artist statements to using social media. These skills are not as exciting as creating artwork, but they are a must for building an artistic career and ensuring your work reaches the people it’s meant to inspire.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Like many artists, I faced challenges balancing financial stability and family responsibilities while pursuing a creative life. After graduating, I temporarily stepped away from art to focus on building a secure foundation for myself and my family. When I eventually returned to creating, it felt like coming home.
I’m learning to let go of the “should haves” and regrets of missed opportunities to learn and grow. In many ways, those obstacles sparked greater creativity, pushing me to find resourceful solutions whether working with a tight budget or carving out time to create. I know I’ll never master everything, but that’s part of the beauty of being an artist. There is always something new to explore, and I’m eager to keep challenging myself and refining my skills.
Since overcoming many of those hurdles, I’ve embraced the process of learning and experimenting. I ask myself by the simple question often, “What happens if I try this?” That sense of curiosity has become my guide, reminding me that art isn’t about achieving perfection but about continual growth and discovery. It’s a lifelong pursuit, and while challenges will always be there, they are part of the creative path.
Sunni Ann, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a multi-disciplinary artist, I thrive on experimenting with various mediums, from acrylics and watercolors to printmaking, pastel, pen, and ink. My work embraces drips, unconventional color palettes, and layered textures to evoke a vibrant sense of expression. I’m naturally drawn to imperfection, finding beauty in the unrefined and unexpected. Loose abstraction allows me to weave my experiences and observations into visual stories, which I believe is the purest expression of my art.
Growing up in rural Alabama and spending time in the East Tennessee mountains, I was surrounded by pastoral landscapes that shaped my vision and continue to inspire me. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the University of North Alabama, I began blending together realism and abstraction to develop an energetic style that blends textures and layers from both my environment and imagination.
Working out of my East Nashville studio as a freelance artist under the studio name Sunni Mockingbird, I draw inspiration from the natural world. Long hikes, serene river floats, and local terrain feed my creativity, transforming into expressive works that reflect both the seen and felt. Every drip, stroke, and unexpected detail in my art celebrates the imperfect beauty of nature and invites viewers to find wonder in the everyday. My artistic practice is one of exploration and connection, and I hope my work resonates by reminding others that art is not about perfection, but about expression and discovery.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Absolutely! There are so many, but the first that comes to mind is I wish I had known more about the wealth of opportunities available to artists, such as residencies and grants, and how to effectively apply for them. These resources provide not only financial support but also invaluable time, space, and connections with like minded creatives. The idea of immersing myself in an environment dedicated to art, surrounded by others who share that passion, is incredibly inspiring.
Pursuing residencies and grants is a personal goal of mine for the coming years. These opportunities would allow me to create without financial constraints and with a clear purpose, working toward projects that could make a meaningful impact. Looking back, I wish I had explored these options earlier in my career. They represent a chance not only to grow as an artist but also to contribute something significant to the creative community.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is inspiring others to make something themselves. So many people are discouraged from pursuing art because society often values more traditional paths. I also think there is a common mindset where people believe they have to be good at art to even try. I want to erase that idea entirely. Art is not about perfection; it is about the act of creating, expressing, and exploring.
I try to encourage others to start wherever they are, using whatever materials they have on hand. You do not need expensive supplies or formal training to create something meaningful. Being an artist is about the personal process, telling your story, working through feelings, and finding joy in the movement of the brush or pencil. It does not have to be shared with the world unless you want it to. You can keep it to yourself, throw it away, or share it in the hope that it sparks something in someone else When people view my art, I want them to connect with their own memories, or experiences, and to realize that creativity is something they can express in their own way as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunnimockingbird.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunnimockingbird
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/SunniMockingbird
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/sunnimockingbird
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SunniMockingbirdArt
Image Credits
Photos by Sunni Mockingbird