We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tash Chapman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tash below.

Tash, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I did some artwork and promotional materials for an organization called Blue Zone Marin. They run mother-daughter surfing workshops in Marina County, CA. The women learn to surf but also focus on building relationships. The goal is for them to come away from the experience feeling more connected to one another and also more confident and connected in the ocean. (I’m explaining what they do to the best of my abilities, but I’m not a spokesperson for them so definitely check them out to understand their mission) This project meant a lot to me because I’ve also experienced the way surfing and feeling connected to the ocean can help a person feel better in life overall. During difficult times, when dealing with grief, or just when things aren’t going my way, being able to escape into the ocean has been incredibly helpful for my mental well being.
Even when everything is going fine I’m just uncomfortable in social situations, but when I’m out in the ocean with my surfboard I feel at ease, more like my true self, and so I really understand how Blue Zone Marin programs have the potential to do a lot of good for mother-daughter relationships.

Tash, 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?

I create artwork, prints, stickers and other products out of a love for art and surf. I try and capture that feeling of joy we get when we’re outside and fully immersed in nature. I also focus on natural Florida landscapes and the wild creatures that call it home.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve had to pivot several times during my creative journey. I originally planned to be a graphic designer and expected to create logos, advertisements and that kind of thing. I guess I was young or I didn’t think it through, but once I got a job in it I realized doing that kind of work means sitting in an office, working on a computer, basically all the time. I hated it and really struggled to feel creative in an office. So that’s what led me to going on my own, something that I hadn’t originally planned on. Years later after working freelance for some time, I started sewing surfboard and beach bags, just as a hobby. I thought it would be a fun design project to build a little online surf shop just the way I wanted it and called it Chapman at Sea. I learned to sew from my grandmother so I was able to make the bags, but never had any plans whatsoever to go into that kind of business. However I got a lot of interest and it grew really quickly. I ended up leaving the art & design behind because there was no time for it and basically sewing full time to keep up with orders. That business did well for about 5 years and then life changed again.
My husband took a job that required him to travel to and live in a new place in Florida every few months. I wanted to go with him but couldn’t come up with a practical way to be a mobile sewing shop. There’s so many materials, equipment and inventory, it was too much. So now I’m working on turning Chapman at Sea into an art shop, since it’s simpler to hit the road with an iPad and some art supplies. This time around tho I’m really focused on creating the kind of art that means something to me. I have my own line of surf-themed art and goods. I also do make logos and the like, and am available for commission, but I find now that the freelancing is a lot more satisfying than it was the first time around. I used to work for any old business, most of them fields I didn’t care about, but now since I’d already built a small following in the surf community, I’m attracting the kind of clients I want to work for.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I like NFTs. I think there’s a big opportunity there for creatives. That said, my understanding of them at the moment is pretty basic but I’m excited to learn more and be involved.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chapmanatsea.com
• Instagram: @chapmanatsea.com

Image Credits
Surfing photo Janet Rozo