Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Nielsen.
Hi Sam, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In college, I majored in art education with no intention of becoming a full-time artist. At that time, I was walking into my first college art class with no experience. I think the last art class I had taken was in middle school, and had actually thought I was going to be a music teacher up until my 4th year of college. I knew I could teach well and learn enough artistically to be successful in a classroom, but that’s where my dream stopped. In my last semester before graduation, I had started the practice of keeping a sketchbook regularly. I was using watercolor and ink and quickly becoming obsessed with the world of urban sketching, so much so that I decided to do a 365 challenge of sketching every day for a year. I think this was a pivotal moment, because my skill started to grow substantially and opportunities slowly started to trickle in. After graduation, I taught high school art for 2 years. During this time I was simultaneously running my art business in the background. At the end of that two years, it became clear that I couldn’t continue to do both; I needed enough hours in the day to see if I could make being a full-time artist work, so I left my teaching job and went full speed ahead. 4 years later and I’m so glad I took that chance. I don’t want to give the appearance that this happened overnight and everything was an instant success. It was a lot more about slow and steady. Not every product I created was a hit. Not every painting is a success. Not every idea came to fruition. But continuing to put one foot in front of the other led me to where I am today!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When I look at the whole picture since starting my business and 2016 and where I am now, it feels relatively smooth. But in the little day-to-day moments, there are always things to overcome. I think one thing I’ve learned is what it feels like to create from a place of wanting to produce an income, and what it feels like to create from a place of being genuinely on fire for what you’re making. I’ve been in both places, and I think it took being in both to realize that there’s a way to have a balance. This business supports my family in many ways, so obviously, income is important. But there’s also a way to be strategic about creating more passive revenue streams so that you can also have the freedom to ‘get lost’ in the painting process and to be present where your feet are. Having wholesale clients, teaching classes on Skillshare, selling at art shows, and creating custom work have all provided ways for me to take several months each year and put the focus back on the painting process and not the end outcome. It took some time to figure this out (several years actually), but just like I mentioned earlier, taking it day by day has helped me make progress over the years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create watercolor and ink paintings most often focused on the North Shore of Minnesota. Using watercolor and ink together is definitely a signature part of my work, and my paintings are often described as “whimsical”. While I launch original collections a few times a year, my paintings have taken on many different forms. I sell my paintings as prints, vinyl stickers, puzzles, and enamel pins, and just recently started selling bookmark packs! Who knew bookmarks would be all the rage. 🙂 I also teach classes on Skillshare, have a watercolor book that was published a few years ago, and still have a passion for urban sketching. There’s nothing quite like sitting on location and imperfectly capturing the scene before you in your sketchbook.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Hmm…I would have to define success in my life looks like showing up and serving the world the way God intended me to. I believe wholeheartedly we each have a purpose in this life, and as long as I’m continually chasing after how God wants to use me and the skills He’s given me, then that would definitely be a success in my book.
Pricing:
- Stickers: $4.00
- Enamel Pins: $12.00
- Bookmark Packs: $12.00
- Prints: $30-$135 depending on size
- Originals: $300-$2,000 depending on size
Contact Info:
- Website: artbysjnielsen.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sj_nielsen
- Facebook: facebook.com/artbysjnielsen
Image Credits
New Earth Natural Light Photography (for the headshot)
Sam Nielsen
