Digital artist and designer, Terrell Jones, has charted an inspiring journey. His passion for art began at a young age, nurtured by his love for drawing and designing. Despite not having a formal education in design, he found ways to integrate his creative skills into various aspects of his life.
During a virtual Brain Food broadcast, Terrell shared transformative tips on his success with transitioning from a full-time job to pursuing an artistic career. Read ahead for timeless advice on how to maintain momentum in your art career.
Embrace Your Creative Path
Terrell's exploration of different creative avenues was pivotal in discovering his true calling. For him, every creative effort contributed to his growth as an artist. Embracing the creative journey with all its uncertainties can lead to significant personal and artistic development.
A defining moment in Terrell's journey was his realization that he wanted to have control over his artistic expression. Working on traditional roles, like shoe design, often meant adhering to someone else's vision. “I didn’t love executing other people’s plans or being told to change certain things about my designs. That experience showed me I wanted to do something on my own,” Terrell explained.
Finding and nurturing your unique voice is essential for enhancing your creative practice. This might involve stepping away from conventional roles and focusing on projects that and align with your creative vision.
Bet on Yourself, Take the Leap
Terrell's story includes a bold decision to leave his job at FedEx and pursue art full-time. He realized he had two options, which he described as, "Either I’m gonna be the best FedEx worker of all time, or I’m actually gonna try to pursue this art thing." Despite uncertainties about how it would unfold, Terrell took the leap. "I quit my job to pursue art, and I hadn't sold an NFT at the time. I still didn't know exactly what it would look like, but I wanted to give myself a chance to make art my full-time career."
This bold move was not made lightly. Terrell had been strategically saving money to create a financial cushion, ensuring he wouldn't be living paycheck to paycheck or relying solely on commissions.
Planning and preparation are crucial for navigating the challenges of a creative career. Ensuring you have the resources and support systems in place to mitigate risks and bolster security is key.
The Power of Community and Network
Terrell touched on the importance of finding a supportive community of artists and collectors on Twitter. "I found the Twitter art world, and that led to me finding the NFT side of Twitter. I was able to meet different like-minded artists and collectors and on the timeline and in group chats" explained Terrell.
His network provided valuable support, encouragement, and opened up new opportunities for growth. "I think the people you know in any field really help. Your network is your net worth," Terrell emphasized. "There's so many ways of going about things, and when exposed to different artists you'll always learn if you're open to it."
Continuous learning and collaboration are essential for creative growth. Engaging with a diverse and supportive community of fellow creatives who approach their craft uniquely can inspire you to explore new techniques and perspectives, elevating your own work.
Maintaining Momentum and Relevance
We discussed Terrell's strategy and the importance of preparation and perception. In his case, he had a catalog of unsold works, and was able to mint instantly after each sale he made. "Any time that I've had momentum, it's been about being prepared and knowing what you're going to do once something else happens, kind of being perceptive in that way," Terrell insightfully shared.
Preparation and readiness are vital for sustaining momentum. Continuously create and refine your work so that you’re ready to seize opportunities as they arise. Having a body of work prepared allows you to respond to demand and gives you the flexibility to experiment and innovate.
Terrell’s ability to adapt to new opportunities played a significant role in maintaining momentum. According to him, "It's just knowing what to do once you have those eyes on you, and knowing when and how to market, or when to get people excited for other things."
Flexibility and adaptability are essential in any creative field. Being perceptive of your audience’s interests and pivoting with new developments keeps your work fresh, ensuring relevance in a constantly changing landscape.
Navigating Trends and Artistic Integrity
Terrell shared insights on looking at trends while still staying true to one's art. "I definitely look to trends," he said, "I always just say, keep it about the art. Does something make sense with what you're doing? You don't ever want to do something from a disingenuous place."
This perspective offers a valuable lesson for artists: engaging with current trends can expand your reach and connect you with new audiences, but it’s crucial to do so in a way that feels authentic to your voice and vision.
Spontaneity vs. Intention
When asked how much of his career has been intentional versus spontaneous, Terrell offered a nuanced perspective. "I would go 50/50, but in a completely different way. A lot of what I do has been spontaneous, but built on bones that weren't as spontaneous. I think a lot of luck has been tied into stuff I do, but they say, 'Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.' I'm always prepared for something to happen a certain way, and with being prepared, I know the next step I want to take."
These reflections highlight the importance of being open to serendipitous opportunities while grounding your career in a clear vision and plan to cultivate a dynamic and career.
Terrell's journey from full-time employee to thriving digital artist is a testament to the power of betting on oneself and strategic preparation. His insights offer valuable lessons for creatives seeking to pursue their passions and prioritize their well-being.
Whether you're an established artist or just beginning your journey, stay true to your artistic vision to maintain momentum and thrive in your creative pursuits.
Visit Terrell's website to support his journey inquire about available artworks.
Listen back to our live interview with Terrell here.
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