Is it hard to be an artist? Is living off your art as a single mom difficult?

These are questions I get asked often. My answer? Yes and no. When I started this journey, I didn’t have a blueprint. I didn’t have a crystal-clear idea of what I was going to create, nor how I was going to make a living out of it. All I knew was that I wanted to be an artist, but the path ahead was uncertain.

Ten years ago, I switched careers. I left behind the familiarity of my previous life to venture into the unknown, driven by a desire to create something truly unique. To be honest, I had no clue what kind of art I was going to make at the time. I just knew I wanted to create something different, something that spoke to me, something that I would buy myself to hang on my own wall.

It was a leap of faith. I had no formal training in the arts. I was a single mom with two children depending on me. The stakes were high. I think it was my optimism, that relentless belief that if I worked hard enough, something beautiful would come out of this leap, that kept me moving forward. I wasn’t creating for anyone but myself at first, trusting that my authenticity and passion would find its audience.

Being a single mom while building an art career is no easy feat. I had to learn to juggle – quite literally. Between caring for my children, attending to their needs, and managing a household, there wasn’t always a lot of time left for art. Somehow, I made time. Late nights, early mornings, any moment I could carve out for myself became my sacred space for creation.

It’s difficult, yes. But in a way, that challenge pushed me to be more focused, more determined, and more disciplined. Every late-night session, every new piece I created was born from that delicate balance between motherhood and my passion for art. And when my work began to sell, when I started to gain recognition, it felt like a victory not just for me, but for my family too.

When I think back to those early days, I realize that my journey wasn’t just about creating art—it was about creating a life for myself and my children. I didn’t know then what I was capable of. I simply took one step at a time, pushing through the doubts and challenges. What began as uncertainty grew into confidence. What started as small ideas turned into grand creations that now hang on walls all over the world.

Was it hard? Absolutely. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The struggles have shaped my work, given it depth, and made every success along the way that much sweeter.

One of the most challenging parts of becoming an artist was finding my own voice in a crowded and diverse world of art. In the beginning, I experimented with different styles, techniques, and mediums. It took time for me to realize that my work wasn’t just about creating something aesthetically pleasing, but most importantly, sharing a part of myself. I wanted my art to resonate with others, but first, it had to resonate with me. I began focusing on femininity, strength, elegance, and confidence—qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody in my own life. My art became an extension of who I am, a way to express the complex emotions and experiences I’ve lived as a woman, a mother, and an entrepreneur.

It wasn’t an overnight revelation, but once I found that clarity, everything started to click. My pieces became more cohesive, and with that, my audience started to grow. People could see the emotion behind the work, the passion in every piece, and it began to resonate with them on a deeper level. If I had to credit one quality for my success, it would be optimism. It’s not that I’m unrealistic or naïve—I’ve faced my fair share of hardships, both personal and professional. But I’ve always believed that, no matter how hard things get, there’s a way through it.

That mindset has kept me going during the toughest times. There were moments when I wasn’t sure how I’d make ends meet, when a sale didn’t come through, or when I doubted whether I could continue balancing the demands of my family and my business. Yet, through it all, I held on to the belief that if I just kept moving forward, things would get better. I didn’t let fear or failure hold me back for long. Art, for me, is a reflection of life’s beauty, even in the midst of chaos. My journey as an artist has taught me that every setback can fuel growth, and every challenge brings with it an opportunity to create something extraordinary. It’s this optimism that has allowed me to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seemed stacked against me.

As I reflect on the past ten years, I can’t help but feel proud of the journey I’ve been on. I’ve gone from uncertainty to selling my work worldwide. I’ve built a business that allows me to support my family and create art that I’m truly passionate about. But more than that, I’ve proven to myself that optimism, perseverance, and hard work can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about what the future holds. There are still so many ideas to explore, and so much more to achieve. I’m committed to continuing to grow, to push the boundaries of my work, and to inspire others along the way. So, is it hard to be an artist? Yes, at times, it is 😮‍💨 But with passion, optimism, and a willingness to keep going, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

I wouldn’t have it any other way 💕

With love,

Wendy