Meet Julie Thompson of Savannah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Thompson.

Hi Julie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to creativity, but my path to becoming a full-time artist wasn’t linear. I spent many years working in hospitality, management, and training—roles that taught me how to connect with people, lead with empathy, and build meaningful experiences. At the same time, art was always there in the background, quietly becoming something more than just a hobby. Over time, it became a form of healing, a way to slow down, and a way to process the world around me.

Eventually, I made the decision to lean into that calling. I began creating more consistently, sharing my work, and allowing myself to take the leap into building a business around something that felt deeply personal and purposeful. My work is inspired by nature, movement, and mindfulness—often blending mixed media, ink, watercolor, and texture to create pieces that invite people to pause and feel something.

In November 2025, I relocated to Savannah, Georgia, which marked a major turning point for both my life and my business. Since then, I’ve been selling my artwork full-time at Forsyth Park and participating in local art shows throughout the year. Being in such a vibrant, creative city has been incredibly inspiring—the moss-draped trees, historic architecture, and strong artistic community have all influenced my work in new ways.

Today, my business is not just about selling art—it’s about connection. Whether I’m meeting someone in the park, sharing a story behind a piece, or creating something that resonates with someone’s personal journey, my goal is to create art that feels meaningful, approachable, and alive. This journey has been about trusting myself, embracing change, and building something that reflects both where I’ve been and where I’m going.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my biggest “struggles” is actually something I deeply love—working outdoors in nature. Selling art in the park means I’m constantly collaborating with the elements… and they don’t always take direction.

The wind has a personality of its own—it loves to flip through prints like it’s browsing, occasionally sending a piece on an unexpected adventure. Humidity can turn paper into something a little more “expressive” than intended, and the sun, while beautiful, has a way of slowly shifting colors and testing my setup throughout the day. And then there’s the occasional surprise rain, which definitely keeps me on my toes.

But honestly, these challenges are part of the magic. Being outside, surrounded by trees, Spanish moss, and changing light, is what fuels my work in the first place. It keeps things unpredictable, a little wild, and very real. I’ve learned to adapt, laugh, and embrace the imperfections—because just like in art, sometimes the unexpected moments create the most memorable experiences.

In a way, the elements aren’t just a challenge—they’re part of the process.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known for creating nature-inspired photography and abstract paintings that carry a sense of movement, emotion, and reflection. A lot of my work is rooted in what I see and feel—whether it’s the softness of Spanish moss, shifting light, or the energy of a landscape—and translating that into something expressive and layered.

Beyond the visual side, I’m also known for being a mental health advocate through my art. It’s very important to me that my work helps bring awareness to mental health in a way that feels approachable and human. My goal is to encourage conversation—to create pieces that make people pause, feel something, and maybe open up dialogue that isn’t always easy to start.

Art has been a deeply healing part of my own journey, and that naturally flows into everything I create. If my work can help even one person feel seen, understood, or less alone, then I feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a very creative child who was always exploring one hobby or another. I loved writing, painting, drawing, crafting, and even gardening—anything that allowed me to use my hands and imagination. I was also constantly outside with my camera, drawn to nature and the little details most people might pass by.

Creativity was never just one thing for me—it was a way of experiencing the world. I was always curious, always making something, and always finding inspiration in my surroundings. Looking back, it feels like a natural foundation for what I do today, just expressed in a more focused and intentional way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.juliebirdart.com
• Instagram: JulieBirdArt
• Facebook: Juliebirdart

Image Credits
All photos are mine. Julie Thompson