Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Ashcraft.
Hi Brittany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been a therapist for 17 years, treating intense cases of complex trauma and OCD. About 8 years ago, I knew I needed to add something to my life that didn’t include caring for other people. Going to the gym and taking bubble baths just wasn’t quite cutting it to restore me from day to day.
I decided to take private illustration lessons just for the joy of it, to see if it would give me a vehicle of bringing some light and joy after my long work days. After about a year, friends and family started asking me to illustrate their pets. Not long after, a family member asked me to illustrate a set of cards she could send for her annual holiday card. My business grew from there. I went from selling pet portraits and holiday cards to people I know, to selling a small selection of art prints at markets to a few strangers. Now, I sell a wide selection of art prints, felted embroideries, apparel, and I’ve landed jobs with some big companies illustrating images for products.
To be honest, I got to where I am today through perseverance and passion. I never stopped or gave up because I was rejected from a market or a project. And I maintain passion by saying no to projects I just really don’t want to do. Having a career to pay my bills allows me to continue growing my art business as a pure passion project.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the one of the biggest challenges artists face outside of being vastly underpaid are rejection and criticism. From being turned down from a market because that jury didn’t like your work to getting no response from companies you pitch to, and even the criticism that comes from growing on social media. I’m fortunate that I have a close network of friends, family, and other artists that have kept me grounded and encouraged me to keep moving forward. I also keep myself grounded in my passion for making art that brings light and warmth to other people. I don’t want to stop doing it just because someone else doesn’t find it appealing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am Brittany Ashcraft of Ashcrafted Imagery. I create whimsical story-driven works of art in both digital and fiber form. I specialize in illustration, and while much of my work is utilized as wall decor I have recently started illustrating for companies who are looking for whimsical work for their products. I love taking small every day experiences and turning it into something funny, whimsical, colorful and memorable. I draw inspiration from nature and animals, and use playful forms and unexpected color palettes. I’m often inspired by my own two goofy rescue dogs, but I also find inspiration from the narratives that others have graciously shared with me over the years, and my own life narratives and experiences. I don’t make art to sell it, I make art because I need it to survive my work as a trauma therapist, and when people purchase it I am grateful because it means I can continue to support clients and to create.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think of risk differently creatively than I do financially. I’m pretty comfortable taking creative risks- trying out a weird product or design, experimenting with my style, or putting something out there that people might not like. I think it’s actually important for my brand and for me as a growth mindset human being. Financially though, I’m way more cautious. I like to test things a small scale before investing a lot of money. I’d say my approach is to be bold creatively but intentional financially.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashcraftedartwork.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashcraftedimagery?igsh=MTZkdmZrbnJ0OTFveQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
