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

Alright, Victoria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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?

Yes, I have! The first 6 months or so of launching my live wedding painting business I was unable to do any paid weddings as it was in the midst of 2020 during covid. During that time I took any and every commission I could to earn an income, gain experience, and build my portfolio.

A huge part of my early success was the support of my husband. He believed in me from the beginning and we made sure we were in a good spot financially (almost debt free, living within our means and on a budget) before I took the leap to start my business and quit my old job.

My second full year (2021) in business I was able to make more of a livable income with weddings actually happening again and now in my third year (2022) I am making the most I have ever made in my life and it is a great living, one most wouldn’t assume you could earn from being an artist.

I feel that the biggest reasons for profiting from live painting so well early on is having the ability to go all in on it if you can, steadily increasing your prices as you gain experience, keep track of your expenses and making sure you expense to revenue ratio is healthy, not renting a store front (doing business online and in a home office/studio), and cash flowing your business/staying away from debt.

Victoria, 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 am a live wedding and event painter based in Texas! I travel to venues to do a live painting of the ceremony or first dance in acrylic on canvas, or quick watercolor sketches of the guests!

I discovered live painting through researching on Pinterest for my own wedding planning. I was miserable at my first two career jobs and struggling to find work I loved doing. I always enjoyed drawing and painting and bringing joy to others so this was the perfect fit!

What sets me apart is my professionalism, work ethic, and wanting to do right by the people who trust me enough to bring to life such a special piece of art for them.

I am most proud of my willingness to learn and grow. I want to get better in my craft with each painting I do and always make sure my clients are 100% happy with the painting and the overall experience!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn was that you can’t make money as an artist. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to draw and it was my little talent. I always took art class throughout school, but never thought to pursue or even wanted to admit that I wanted to be an artist because society says that artists starve.

Once I discovered live wedding painting, I knew I had found the perfect way for me to create my art and also make a wonderful and reliable income. I am not the kind of creative where I am good at painting original works from my own mind or inspiration, so this purely custom commission based painting business is absolutely perfect for me.

Regardless of what others think of my career choice and my business, I am so happy I took the leap of faith to do what I do best. It has made me very happy with my life’s work, my impact on others, and has allowed me to provide in ways I never thought possible!

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

The reaction and joy I get from others through my passion. Every single piece of art I create is completely custom and made just for the client. It is always of something special to them, so every painting has a purpose, story behind it, and great meaning.

Making others happy makes me happy, there is no greater impact you can make.

Contact Info:

• Website: victoriasvisuals.com
• Instagram: @victoriasvisuals
• Facebook: @vicoriasvisuals2020
• Youtube: Victoria’s Visuals
• Other: TikTok: @victoriasvisuals2020

Image Credits
The first profile head shot photo of me is credited to @d.i.m.photography