Today we’d like to introduce you to Stevie Wilkins.
Stevie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As long as I can remember, I have had a desire to create. There is just something about being able to hold in my hand what was once inside my head. As a young girl, I would create Greeting Cards and Calendars on the computer for all of my family members. Birthday… Anniversary… Loose Tooth… if there was an occasion, you better believe you were getting a card from me!
As time went by, my creativity began to develop into something a little more substantial. In high school, I figured out it was “Graphic Design” that I was interested in most, so I began taking classes. I spent a summer at The Art Institute’s SUMMER STUDIO and that was it… I knew I wanted to go to Art School.
Over the years, my style has changed and developed. I started focusing more on Digital Illustration with the birth of my daughter. She brought a new light to my art that I didn’t know was possible, and she has been the Inspiration behind many of my latest pieces. I am also inspired by nature on a daily basis and I enjoy drawing Flowers and Animals. I like to use bright colors in my work to Create “Pretty Things” that make me HAPPY in hopes that I can share a little bit of that HAPPINESS with the world.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think there is such thing as a “smooth road” when it comes to art. Art is stereotypically a career that it is hard to be successful or to make money in. The field is highly competitive and it’s all about timing and meeting the right people who can help you to further your career. Art is also an opinion. Some people will like your work and some people will hate it and there won’t necessarily be a reason why it’s just either you really like something or you really don’t. As an artist, you have to learn how to not take this personally or you will never survive. For me, I am naturally a shy, soft natured person so this has been something I have always struggled with. When I was in college, I was rejected from the art program at my school not once but twice! This was very discouraging for me at the time, to the point where I stopped creating for a while and I contemplated changing my major. I didn’t understand how someone could look at something as subjective as art and tell me that it was “wrong” and that I wasn’t good enough for their program. However, eventually, I realized that it didn’t matter what anyone told me. It didn’t matter who didn’t like my art anymore because I liked my art. I knew that I was in fact good enough to be successful and ultimately it came down to the fact that it was my life, my career, and I wasn’t comfortable with wasting it in an office cubicle doing work that I hated or work that didn’t matter. I have a gift and a way to make a difference in people’s lives and I wasn’t going to let that go to waste.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Steviekins.Art – what should we know?
My business is about creating art that puts a smile on someone’s face. I create digital illustrations that I hope that moms (& people, in general) can relate to. As the mom of an almost four-year-old little girl, I tend to specialize in children’s illustrations. I like to work on anything from Birthday Invitations, Wrapping Paper, Greeting cards, to actual Children’s Books! I think that I stand out from the rest because my art is genuine and from my heart. For me, it’s not about being number one or making the most money. Don’t get me wrong, I love being able to see my art out there on products but it all comes down to having the power to brighten someone’s day just by doing what I love! and How cool is that?!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think that when it comes to being successful with art it all comes down to why you’re doing what you’re doing. If you’re in it for the money, then this probably isn’t the career path for you. For me, it’s about being an example for my daughter and teaching her to follow her dreams no matter what they are, no matter what obstacles she may face, and no matter who tries to tell her she can’t reach her goal. This is about making a difference in the community even if it’s a small one. This is about going to work each day and doing something that drives me, fuels my passion and something that I absolutely love, because, at the end of the day, that’s what life is all about.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.steviewilkins.com
- Email: steviekins.art@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekins.art/
Image Credit:
The Wilkins Co.
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