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

Tori, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be an artist or creative in some capacity. My idea of an artist when I was a little girl was to move to Paris and become a famous painter. I have always had people encourage me along my creative path. My mother, for one, introduced me to art, especially when it comes to color. She would draw pictures for me to color when I was young. I really think that is why I love and have such a strong sense of color. In my paintings and all of my interior work, there is a nice usage of color. My commitment to myself as I was on my creative journey was to always take a job that was artistic in some form, and I have stuck to that to this day.

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.

Who am I? Artist, daughter, sister, mother. I started as a Graphic Designer originally when I graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle. Then I got into my fine arts career after I was married. I did my first serious painting, ‘Mother & Child,’ when I was pregnant with my son, while working as a makeup artist at Nordstrom. They gave me my first trunk show, displaying my art. It turned out so well that they decided to carry my line of greeting cards that I created out of not seeing images that represented me. From there, I traveled and showed my work in various galleries. I got into showing my work at various festivals, one in particular being the Essence Music Festival, which helped land my article in Essence Magazine. That was huge for me. I was then able to use that as a platform to do a lot of commissioned public work, one in particular being the piece I did for the Washington State Supreme Court titled ‘All Inclusive,’ which is hanging in the Supreme Court. I also sold the rights to a painting called ‘Dancing Women’; it was used for Black History Month in a campaign by a black cosmetic line called Interface Cosmetics. They displayed it in the window at Macy’s in Herald Square. I was pretty proud of those things.

For me, what makes me feel good at a show is when someone is touched by my work. The name of my company is Tori Designs, and the tagline is ‘Art for the Soul.’ I truly believe that because it comes from my soul. So, to touch someone gives me great joy. Once you consider yourself an artist, you can do a lot of creative things, and I have been in this business for well over 20 years, so I have done many creative things. I love teaching art to children; that touches me to my core. They produce the best art, I think it’s their innocence when they create.

When working with clients, I like to meet with them in person, feel their energy, talk to them about the project, and then immerse myself through research, their vision, and my ideas. Then I get to work and enter what I call my ‘creative zone.’ Once I’m there, my creative juices just flow, and I often dream about it. I am such a visual person.

I am a relatable creative because I am genuine. I don’t take projects for granted; I feel lucky to have been chosen because there are so many talented creatives out there. I am honored and excited to work with people. I was given this gift of art, so I have to share it. My focus lately has been on my craft items, mainly along with my interior work that I love to do when conceptually creating a space with all the visuals that you might use. I will always be creative in some fashion or form; it is my gift, and I will continue to share it on my journey that we call life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being an Artist/Creative is beautiful. the most rewarding thing is when you inspire someone or some thing.

Have you ever had to pivot?

It’s never too late. As they say, life unfolds as you journey through it. I am older now and have experienced a lot of life changes. There was a time when I didn’t pursue my art career as much because I had to prioritize taking care of my family; they were my main focus, more than my art. Now, I am in a different space; my children are grown. I can now focus on my art and make it a priority. So, I am starting fresh.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tori_deisgns
• Other: I am starting all over when it comes to my social media & promoting myself Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
these credits are from Me Tori Cole I own all rights to the pictures as it is my art and my work.