We were lucky to catch up with Tiffany Fagnant recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tiffany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I think I always knew I would end up being a Creative. I just didn’t know then that I knew, you know?

I was a creative, playful child. I remember distinctly creating fantasy worlds in my family’s back yard and picking random objects out of junk drawers to play with despite having toys. If you have enough imagination, a candlestick can be a rocket ship, right?

When I entered high school, I knew that art was an interesting track to focus on. I took all the courses my high school had available and had to create some independent studies on top of that. I would have called myself an artist then. I had fantastic teachers who really put their heart and their soul into their work and their students. At this time I was introduced to art history and really fell in love with making context and understanding the iconography of different art through the ages.

When I was a older teenager, I lost my mentor, my art teacher. In many ways, it was first big loss in my life. I don’t remember creating very much around this.—unless it was for an assignment.

I went on to study Art History at Winthrop University. And while I had to take very basic art classes as a requirement, I didn’t spend any time creating outside of my coursework. When I left college I’ve got a job in retail that later turned into a job in management and in human resources and I worked at that company for about a decade.

In 2021, I began painting and drawing again. I started with a portrait of my boyfriend and a colorful self portrait. Over the next couple of months,, I created in a whirlwind it felt like every hour I had outside of work was spent creating. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful community of other artists and people embracing various forms of creativity. I balked at calling myself an artist, despite selling my first large piece.

Months later I prepared for my first time vending my art in public and live painting at a musical performance. A talented artist and friend of mine painted beside me. It was the best feeling to get to share, show, and talk about my art with strangers and friends. I sold my first stickers and prints at this gig.

There was a moment for me where everything had a serene stillness. I remember the wind dancing in the old trees above us, the bar lighting glowing behind me as I painted next to my friend, and hearing some of the first people say they resonated with what I was creating. I still can’t put words to the emotions that washed over me, but I knew at the end of that night I had to keep doing this for as long as my body and mind will let me.

That long arc to say I think it was always in the stars for me to be artistic, but I’ve only recently stepped into the shoes of an artist.

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 artist based in sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina who creates in vibrant full color. The majority of my work involve portraits completed in expressive color. I draw my inspiration from the wild world and the beautiful faces around me, I love to capture femininity, strength, and personality with texture, color, and hidden symbolism. I create using digital drawings, watercolor, mixed media, and acrylic paintings. I hope by continuing to create I can explore and challenge traditional perceptions of beauty and self.

I have so many ideas for new artworks and products that I want to make. If you follow me on my social media, you’ll be certain to be entertained for a long time.

I love to live paint at events, festivals, and music performances. I have traveled all over North and South Carolina sharing and creating art. I think there is a huge opportunity for local arts communities to mingle and cocreate together. Myrtle Beach has a beautiful, blossoming arts community where friends can explore and create together. We are continuing to grow and learn from each other. I couldn’t be surrounded by a more loving and uplifting group of heArtners.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my opinion, Creatives need time, space, and relaxation to create consistently. Until everyone’s basic needs are met universally, there will be people who cannot “afford” to create. There will always be a stifled artist who cannot create freely because they are too poor to do so.

Community arts programs are a good starting option as long as they focus on removing barriers to creation (such as transportation, mobility aids, free supplies, education, etc).

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My number one book in rotation right now is “Artpreneur” by Miriam Schulman. This book is no joke if you’ve been dabbling with selling your work, commissions, etc. She really covers the gambit in this book, but my favorite part to work on has been about limiting beliefs. I’m still working on it, but switching up how I think/feel about situations going in as directly correlated to the outcomes for me. I recommend it to all Creatives!

I have definitely learned so much from YouTube, Instagrams, and Reddits from individual artists and “for artists” accounts. Otherwise, my suggestion is to reach out to other artists. We can be a wealth of information and skill sharing for each other. (Feel free to reach out to me, if you’d like!)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyfagnantart?igsh=MTg4Mjdpd3EycGpxeQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/a2UH2k2osFzFTpK4/?mibextid=K35XfP