Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Gomand.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Art has played an integral role in my life since I was a child. It has always been a refuge to return to- a place of familiarity and comfort. I continued practicing and eventually got my Fine Arts degree in 2019. In addition to being a full time printer, designer, and project manager I’m a practicing studio artist at home. My practice has been developing quite a bit in the last year!
I regularly do markets and gallery shows on weekends, and this year became a recipient of a grant from Nest!
I still maintain my small business in which I carry out these endeavors-, but I am undergoing a restructuring of how I want that to look.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I sacrifice a lot to continue to make and develop my work. I am constantly putting my heart and soul out there and it’s a very vulnerable feeling. Financial struggles are always a barrier. Time. Energy. The system is structured in a way where artists are some of the most undervalued people within society.
It is quite difficult to do this full time sustainably. Most of us find jobs that allow us to continue to do our work in tandem with our crafts. My biggest goal is to become a full time artist!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I dabble with any medium that captures my interest at the time. When I was young I would draw. When I started my side business, my main objective was to repurpose game pieces and other findings to make jewelry. Now I’m getting into a process of combining my photography, printing knowledge, glasswork, and soldering. I think what sets me apart from others is my absolute love for mixing mediums and trying to find ways to use them together in interesting ways.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Make a list of your goals. Small goals, big goals. Strategize. Make sure to include goals that are not defined solely in terms of money, but goals that will keep you striving to create something greater than you had before, that will challenge you personally. The most important thing of all is to not quit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amgdsgn.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlinginferno
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagomand
