Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Nason.
Anna, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I suppose I was always known as the kid who could draw really well all through grade school. I was even voted most artistic in HS. I went off to get my BA in illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, in Savannah Georgia. I loved my experiences there and it was great learning all the different mediums and finding my style.
After college I moved out to Brookline in fall 2013, I spent my time job hunting and trying to advertise myself. In September 2015 I got a job as a receptionist, at first, I thought “perfect, a nice 9-5 with benefits and when I get home I can paint!” Well the life of a receptionist slowed down so I decided to paint at work, I even got commissioned by 4 coworkers and my boss for artwork.
A year and a half later I was let go and told to pursue my art as a career. I tried to paint every day and really look for a job in the creative industry. Fast forward a couple months, my sister runs the Boston Marathon every year and I always walk around with her on Newbury St the Tuesday after. We passed The Paint Bar and they had a ‘now hiring’ sign, my sister pushed me inside where I met my now boss, she interviewed me and three months later I became an instructor. Little did I know that would be my calling! I now work with all sorts of creative people, singers, actors, fellow painters and its amazing. I paint during the days, and then teach others to paint at night.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I paint mostly animals in watercolor. I had always drawn and painted people and then found out that I enjoy painting animals more. I paint two types of things, for myself and commissions. With my commissions I specialize in pet portraits so it’s always my goal to get people to say “wow, that’s my ____!” Or with paintings I do for fun I love to get people to say “wow! you did that?”
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I guess I would just say don’t stop painting or creating. Time may be limited due to supporting yourself but you have to make time. Creativity just like anything, is a muscle. Slumps happen though and that’s okay. I don’t like to force it when I find myself feeling this way, eventually you pull out of it but never give up!! Carry a sketchbook around, draw whenever. That’s actually something I wish I still did. Tell yourself you’ll do something every day. Drawing, little painting, something! You’ll be happy you did and you may even surprise yourself!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I can be found on Instagram @atn.illustration or Etsy, etsy.com/shop/illustrationgifts or my website annanasonillustration.com
Contact Info:
- Website: annanasonillustration.com
- Email: atnason@gmail.com
- Instagram: atn.illustration
- Facebook: Anna Taylor Nason Illustration
Image Credit:
Anna Nason
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