Today we’d like to introduce you to Audie Pope.
Audie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The funny thing is that I started out not realizing that art could be a career for me. It was simply a hobby that I enjoy. Once I started college, I had no vision for what I wanted to do, so I decided to leave it up to chance. I began college with a graphic design path but eventually came to dislike the structure and limitations I faced, as a result, I switched in my third year to a painting track. I still faced many struggles and roadblocks but networking really helped me see the opportunities open to me in the art field. Today, I am freelancing as an artist doing everything from murals to caricatures and have recently finished my first children’s book illustration project in collaboration with a local author. I have always loved children’s book illustration but this opportunity has opened new windows that I never thought I could reach.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road, and I don’t foresee that ever-changing. There is always a risk pursuing art as a career, especially freelance art. Finding my voice in art is a constant battle that I am still fighting to this day, I am not a terribly verbose individual and struggle to give my opinion unless it is neutral, so college art critique session was torture for me. They push for you to give your work meaning but I had no idea how to do that and was given no hint or help. This caused stress and doubt in me to build until I no longer wished to have art in my life at all. This still happens to me today, I will suddenly and spontaneously become so overwhelmed that I abandon art entirely and dream of other paths: Wilderness Guide, Summer Camp Counselor, etc. But art tends to follow me around until I finally break down and try again. I think it will always be a part of me whether I like it or not. There will always be up and downs but I’m certain life would not be an adventure if it was all smooth sailing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a freelance artist interested in way too many fields. I’m currently pursuing Children’s Illustration and finished a public mural this year for the Painting the River Project along the Trinity River. I also do pet portraits when asked. Over the years, I’ve tried many interesting short term jobs such as caricatures, court room sketching, and theater set design. I love learning about the wide variety of vocations waiting to be discovered. I’d have to say I’m most proud of my mural work. The idea of leaving your mark in such a big way is exciting for me. It’s an opportunity to make my small voice louder. I’m not entirely sure what sets me apart from others to be honest. I still feel like I’m still discovering myself.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best advice I can give is to talk to people you admire (even if it’s frightening) and start a conversation. Talk about what you like and your goals for the future and ask them what advice they may have. Opportunities given to me through a mentor came about simply because I was open-minded. Networking involves talking to people! So brush up on those social skills!
Contact Info:
- Email: Audieanneart123@gmail.com
- Instagram: @audie.anne.art
- Facebook: @audieanneart
Image Credits
Photo of me taken by; @lord_zural
