We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vicky J a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vicky , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

It’s so funny I get asked this cus I’ve literally been thanking God all day. Today I woke up overjoyed! Each day I get up and pray and thank him for today but today I’m more thankful than others. Today I woke up knowing that I’ve been in Texas going on 3 years just crafting.

I have been able to not only create a new life here but I’ve also been able to maintain it! Never once since moving to Texas have I struggled! And it’s all because of God’s grace and my talents!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Honestly and I say this a lot, it’s God. As a kid I’ve always seen something and just been like I can do or make that lol and that’s all I’ve ever been doing. Most of the time I say I’m winging it but that’s just me acknowledging the little angels he sends me to help me along my way.

I do a lot of different crafts from photography, drawing and painting, t-shirts and more! Most of my days, I offer my graphic design services. Some how I’m really popular on Etsy.

Something I’m most proud of is the fact that I’m able to create. It’s really mind blowing when I make something and take a step back I’m all like wow you ddddiidd that. And I think that also shows in my work. I take so much pride in creating that I hope my customers can see that through my works. Crafting has always been a safe space for me and I do get to create a lot of memorable things for people. I just hope that genuinely love anything they get from me.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I really wish I knew more about Etsy and Creativefabrica. Creativefabrica literally gives you all the tools you need to become better at any craft or learn a new one. And Etsy, they are just the best.

Etsy isn’t only for crafters but it’s definitely a community that I wish I discovered before! Idk what I’m doing right on there but they are very helpful with wanting me to progress. They also try to come up new ways on how sellers can get more from the website.

If anyone is new to crafting/creating I suggest checking out both sites. Creative Fabrica to learn a new skill and to get downloads and Etsy to progress as a crafter.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Having someone purchase my work. When I’m creating, I’m more than likely doing it from scratch. Idk about you but that’s just so amazing to me.

Omg I created a design earlier that sold more than 2k copies and not only since creating it, a lot of crafters created likely designs! Do you know how amazing that felt to be an inspiration??? Little ol Vicky J. from Mississippi? I tell you that’s the highlight of my life until I have babies lol.

I really think creating is my calling and I’m so blessed and thankful to get this experience and to have had it this long in life. It pays the bills and fuels my soul. In the words of Hannah Montana, “You get the best of both worlds”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsByVickyJ
• Instagram: Vickyinthacity
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vickyj2k?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: Vickyinthacity

Image Credits

Quonika Patterson