Making Art for A Living, Living for Art Making
Making art for a living runs in the family of this week's Artist Spotlight featured artist, Jasmine Mullins. Yet even though creativity is written into her DNA, she became the artist she is today because of her own special journey toward finding a unique identity as an artist. It is our privilege to share a little bit about Jasmine and her journey.
Can you tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself?
Here are three interesting facts about me:
1) I'm a mother of 2 awesome teenagers
2) The only pets I've owned for the last 20 years have all been black cats (don't ask me how many), partially because my hubby is 'less allergic' to the black variety
3) I love the history, climate, and people of my beautiful city, Charleston, SC, and I can't imagine a better place to live!
Can you tell us more about how you became the artist you are today?
My dad has been a sign painter as long as I can remember. As a preschooler, I would watch my dad at work on his giant easel, and I'd draw my own "signs" with fat markers in fancy letters on large rolls of butcher paper.
I opted against an art degree in college (it didn't seem financially practical at the time!), but instead created artwork as a love and hobby for years! The only gifts my friends and family accepted as long as I can remember were handmade: piggy banks I painted, cards I had calligraphed, canvas paintings, handmade jewelry, and anything else I could personalize.
With some self-taught skills, I worked as a graphic designer for 9 years, but it didn't give me the fulfillment of putting a pen or paintbrush to paper! Then I was hired as the Artist in Residence at a plantation in Charleston, SC, where I created large murals, hand painted signs, event props, and lots of other fun things with pens, paint, and even duct tape! In the last 2 years or so, I decided to market (via Facebook, Instagram, and good ol' word of mouth) the lettering skills I had developed, creating signs, murals, and illustrations, but specializing in chalkboard signs for events and businesses. Now I have my own sign business — just like my daddy! — called Sight to Behold.
How did you start doing chalkboard art? What kind of chalkboard art do you specialize in?
16 years ago, I managed an adorable toy store in downtown Charleston, and when I needed a versatile backdrop for my window displays, chalkboards were the answer! I've had a big chalkboard wall in my home ever since. Two years ago, I was asked to design several large signs for a local supermarket. They wanted something hand-created and unique that fit their vintage vibe. Chalkboard it was! I fell in love with the look and so did they! Now I chalk on signs for that market on a regular basis, for several restaurants, for events, weddings, and birthdays. I love the versatility and ease of liquid chalk markers! They're truly my favorite medium.
Apart from liquid chalk markers, what medium do you use in making art?
Acrylic, latex, and watercolor paint. I love brush pens too!
What inspired you to make what you did with @versachalk?
Letters are my favorite! And chalk markers are so forgiving — when I need to erase (and erase again and again) to adjust my lettering, it's easy with chalk markers! They also blend so well, so I can create highlights, shadows, and new colors with ease!
What makes good art? How long did it take for you to get “good” at it?
I'll let you know when I find out!
Words of advice for up-and-coming artists?
Practice. Every. Single. Day. Copy others at first if that helps, but develop your own personal style as you discover what you really love to create. And if you don't know what to create, make gifts for others! It will help you think about what is marketable, and — more importantly — bless your friends and family, who will become your best marketing tools!
Find more of Jasmine's work and connect with her at Sight to Behold.
Are you an artist or entrepreneur who uses VersaChalk markers for your art or business? We would love to hear and share your story! Use #versachalk in your artwork created with VersaChalk markers for a chance to be featured!
