We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria Rockwell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria below.
Hi Victoria, thanks for joining 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?
I have been lucky enough to earn a full-time living from my art work for almost three years! Growing up, people have always been interested in my pieces and I would be commissioned every once in a while. However, I was working for a tech company in Brentwood, TN that ended up “going out of business” due to covid and everyone was let go with no notice. And since covid was causing panic, very little companies were hiring, making it extremely difficult for me to find another job. Due to running out of money that I had saved, I started listing some of my artwork on social media platforms and it took off. I had tons of people reaching out to me in regards to custom pieces and I then started my journey into wooden signs. After a while, my interest died down and I no longer had the passion to continue with them.
Until recently, I started offering hand-painted jackets, and phone cases which has increased my sales more then I could have imagined. And although I did hit some rough patches, I believe the only reason I was able to stay afloat was due to continuous discipline. I have pulled numerous all-nighters in order to get custom pieces completed in time, and I have done everything in my power to have quick turn around times. However, as time has passed and my income has become a bit more stable, I have taken more time to find other things that bring me joy.
Overall, had it not been for covid and losing my corporate tech job, I would probably never be where I am at now, and have the freedom I do while doing what I love.
Victoria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am 24 years old and my father taught me how to paint and use different mediums when I was very young. With this, I was always doodling in my school notes, instead of paying attention and I was constantly painting and drawing after school. It wasn’t until I was 21 that I tried to make my art pay my bills. I started with wooden signs, then quickly ventured into digital art and other hand-painted pieces. With being in business for close to three years, I now focus on denim jackets and phone cases, as well as minimal digital art pieces. The main “problems” that my art solves, is that it brings personality to you or whomever it is given too. My jackets and phone cases are custom designs and are 100% hand painted, making it even more special. My art has allowed me to bring closure to families who have lost pets or other members and give them something to hold onto. It has also allowed me to bond with others that I normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet. I am so immensely proud of the amount of work I have put in to get where I am now, and I would love to have the chance to continue creating.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
What drives me and continues to give me motivation to continue creating, is the freedom behind my job. I have been lucky enough to paint full-time which gives me the ability to create my own schedule. I have a tremendous amount of passion in what I do, and I find a lot of fulfillment in completing orders for others. However, I am thankful that my passion also allows me to spend time with family in ways where a 9 to 5 would make that more difficult. And although doing this full-time has been difficult it is rewarding.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my audience on social media was probably one of my biggest learning curves when first starting. I really struggled with Instagram, and still do have some difficulty, but I have learned a lot. One thing that I have found that has helped me the most is networking groups on Facebook and joining groups that adhere to your audience. For example, I live in a military community and “Army wives” are a large group on Facebook. Being apart of that group has opened so many doors for me in regards to orders, which has also then led to more orders through word of mouth, and eventually my social media audience has grown because of that. I have also learned that a big factor in building your audience on social media is knowing what type of people you want to attract and creating content that will attract them. It doesn’t happen all at one time, but consistently posting and following trends will help tremendously.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild_woodss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodss
- Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildWoodss?ref=shop_sugg_market
Image Credits
Allysha Karpowitz with Life With You Photography