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

Woody , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I feel that most creatives or people in general get to a point where they feel stuck in their career or other aspects in their life. Taking a risk seems like the only way out. In my case, I was working a paint removal job that was unfulfilling to me as an artist. While, they gave me plenty of opportunities to participate in shows, etc…. I was still devoting much of my week to them. The couple of hours a night I devoted to art wasn’t enough. I needed to step away, so I spent close to five years building a decent nest egg before I felt safe enough to leave. It has been nearly two years now since I left and I couldn’t be more happy as a creative. I have more time to create my personal projects and substitute them with paid client work when needed. Although, I must stress to anyone that takes this kind of risk: PLEASE build those savings and have a backup plan just in case. The world isn’t very forgiving at times so having a plan A or B never hurts.

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.

Akin to most artists I was creating since before I could remember. My late grandfather (affectionately known as Papa Woody) was the one who put a pencil in my hand and set me up for life creatively. He helped shape my imagination which was the thing that kept my art going . Swinging a stick in the backyard commanding thousands of invisible troops was my thing. Every creature imaginable walked into my yard – Every possible landscape shaped my vision. It wasn’t until after I moved to Kansas City, MO to pay off my art degree that I discovered fantasy illustration thanks to an online mentorship with Adam Duff. However, at the same time, I also met my current mentor, Michael Toombs and started working with him on murals – a subject that I fell in love with during college. During this time and up to recently I have been creating commission work for private clients such as, murals, drawings and paintings for anything you can think of: Flowers, Dungeons and Dragons characters and scenes, family/dog portraits, galaxy skies for relaxation rooms – you name it.

My transition to fantasy illustration has been a long one, but now I have taken these skills and have pushed a passion project of mine: Auveriah which takes place in the wider world of Allvarie. I am very inspired by the world building concepts of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, and as a lover of history I wanted to tie real world cultures into my own storytelling. The continent of Auveriah includes influences of Greco-Roman, Meso-American, North African, Southeast Asian, and many others. Through Auveriah and other continents I plan to create, I am currently writing a fantasy novel based on these cultures. During the past year I have been showing this concept at local art fairs here in Kansas City, as well as, comic cons and renaissance fairs throughout the country. I have built up and designed a collection of items to sell at these fairs such as enamel pins, leather coasters, playmats, mousepads, metal prints, paper/canvas prints, and of course, original paintings.

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

One of the best things about society supporting artists is that it doesn’t always require purchasing their work. Simply sharing their work online or spreading the word to friends, co-workers and strangers can help get them those future clients. Although, buying an artists work is, of course, the next best thing. Even if you can’t afford the original – buying a print or other cheaper items can still support an artist.

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

For myself, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to see things in an environment around you. Capturing texture and vibrant color on something considered dull or uninteresting helps bring further life to the world. Creating things in a different light can help open different perspectives in people. Seeing the life in things is something we all need right now, and artists are the perfect vessel for that message.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bmwoodward2016.wixsite.com/woody
• Instagram: @woody_woodward.art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Woodywoodwardart22
• Twitter: @Woody_art