On May 4th 2018, I became a bona fide artist by my own description. That’s when Pleasant Folk LLC was established after leaving my office job and my PhD. It wasn’t an easy, whimsical decision, but one born out of necessity to survive financially and thrive emotionally. Well…let’s see how that went! Here are a few things I’ve learned in five years as an artist at 38yrs old (in no particular order).

1. My Art Business is a Financial Failure

   While I’ve professionalized my art practice as Pleasant Folk LLC, and had some amazing experiences and opportunities, my art practice is not a viable business as of yet. I do believe the assets of my business have great value, like the vintage inventory, my original artwork, and my tools/furniture/supplies…but capitalizing on those assets and earning huge profits in my pocket has not come to fruition. Watching ‘influencers’ online become millionaires in the same time I have failed financially as an artist is really depressing!

2. You Don’t Need a Dealer or a Gallerist

   Securing an accountant and a lawyer has been much more beneficial than searching for art hustlers and hawkers take interest in my work to make a buck for themselves. However, I’ve had a hard time affording accountants and lawyers OR some of those people failed at their job and I had to part ways. It may take several tries, but I think continuing to build a team of financial and legal professionals who have believe in, and support, your growth is what every artist needs.

3. Social Media is the Thing to Do

   I have never taken social media seriously, so I’ve been inconsistent with promoting myself on those platforms. I’ve never relied on social media to grow my business because in-person opportunities and my website have been my sweet spot for sharing my work. However, it is true that social media works well for millions of artists and has allowed them more control over their career. I’m forced to learn how it can benefit me and to try a little harder on social media. I now have 100 followers on Instagram which is the most I’ve ever had!

4. Artists Really Are Mistreated

   While I’ve had some life changing experiences as an artist, truthfully, I have been treated very badly behind the scenes at several places. It’s been a barrage of administrators (mostly women) who are unnecessarily difficult, incompetent, or scammers. For every step I take forward with my art practice, I feel pushed back ten steps. It takes me so long to bounce back from these failures and it takes me so long to overcome such obstacles, so five years in business doesn’t feel like five years of progress. These ills are the very reasons I left the 9 to 5 working world, so to face the same problems as an artist and business owner is disheartening. I do take legal action against mistreatment and while those lawsuits can take years, I know it’s important to fight for my rights.

5. Dealing with the Public

   Whew! People be people-ing out here! Again, some of the ills of the working world are the same ones I run into as an artist and it’s usually from OTHER WOMEN. So many comments have been made about my body, age, or appearance at public events. There are vicious glares and stares from other women as they will pull their husbands and kids away from me at events. So many issues with bigotry and racism have occurred as well. I have been told that I do not look like I made my own whimsical drawings because they say it looks like an Asian or blond woman made them instead. There have been very awkward or inappropriate encounters from drunk women at events that I now hesitate to do art events with alcohol. I know I have to keep putting myself out there with public facing opportunities, but I really wish people could be more respectful and women could be more supportive.

   The biggest obstacle I face is other people’s JEALOUSY who instantly want what I have spent five years building. Others cannot bear to engage with me, look me in the eye, or speak to me because they are so resentful. Certain family, acquaintances, or strangers get pained with jealousy without caring about how much I have struggled. Jealousy robs me of my humanity and reduces me to an object for others to pile on their self-hate and insecurities.

6. Power and Independence

   Having my own art practice and small business has given me confidence as an adult woman in a way that no degree, job title, or relationship status ever has. I define myself and make my own decisions at every step of the way which is a freedom I cherish. I am not yelled at, bullied, belittled, or harassed when I’m at my table drawing or sewing alone in peace. Peace in itself is a powerful independence.

7. All or Nothing

   Fully committing to my art practice by being consistent, bouncing back faster, defeating obstacles quicker, promoting myself, and believing in my journey are ways I can fully immerse myself in the choice to be an artist.

8. Everyone’s an Artist

   The arts are the oldest professions in the world from temple dancers and singers to fresco painters and jewelry makers. Art is everywhere from the designs on food packaging to the music on the radio. It’s a highly consumed commodity that enhances everyone’s lives. Just as art is everywhere, anyone can BE an artist in our modern time. There are people who go from having zero skill to being professional artists in a few years with self-education.

   It makes me feel relieved and comforted that art is becoming so normalized, accessible, and welcomed. The pretentiousness of galleries and museums have been eroded and crafty skills like scrapbooking are now as valued as oil painted landscapes. Because of this, I’m able to feel good about my own folksy skills! I can learn by watching YouTube videos of studio vlogs or experiment with techniques using a how-to book from the library. Art is for everyone and anyone can be an artist…that includes me too!

9. Yes, I am a Black, Woman Artist

   I have no issue being called a woman artist, female artist, African American artist, and/or Black artist. For a local, community artist like myself, holidays and celebratory months are when I get the most opportunity. So, I am happy to highlight aspects of my identity as an artist. That being said, I do not feel that I belong to any arts community or ‘scene’. It seems like Black arts communities are too cool for me and women’s groups are too cliquish, to summarize what I have witnessed over the years. That’s ok to be a solitary art maker in the privacy and peace of my own studio while celebrating all that makes me, me.

10. Making Art

    I have experimented with many styles and media, but I feel most at home with paper, cardboard, and textiles. Looking at all that I have made makes me feel proud that I brought something into existence. I can only create when I’m happy or to make a happy headspace for myself. Art making is escapism for me and I hope my pieces bring joy to others as well.