Meet Courtney Strickland | Ornamental & Interactive Illustration

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Strickland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I received my BFA in Illustration and spent a good 20 years with children, through being a Nanny and Education. I have been trying to figure out the best way to express myself in visual/ commercial arts. I have always loved bringing peoples visions to life and helping bring others confidence with my work.
That was the beginning thought process to my business.

I love art to wear pieces and I love doing Illustrations for children, adults, and families. I knew I could do more with the talents I have cultivated and learned. I believe self-expression and mindfulness through art are powerful tools. I want my business to reflect that and to be there for others to achieve it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It has not been easy, but I have grown a lot from it the past year or so. Self-expression, Art, is sacred to me in every form. I believe in it’s power and intent. The actual “Art World” though can be hard to navigate at times. This world can be harsh, judgmental, demanding, and under paid. You have to commend anyone who pushes themselves to pursue a life in the arts. People don’t make it easy. The hardest part is the self-doubt, it can eat you alive, not feeling like your good enough.

First thing I am most proud of is how my business is commission-based and is ever evolving and growing. Second thing I am most proud of is working with children, they have taught me so much and help keep me on my toes, it also helps that they’re ignorantly blunt. When teaching art to others, you get to see how others view the world and their different processes. This observation has helped, especially my drawing skills, grow. I always tell my students, “Practice makes Progress”. I live by that every day.

I am where I am because of never saying no to any opportunity. I have done/ and am still doing Set/Stage Design and Painting, logos, T-shirt designs, custom coloring books, children’s books, sculpture, bead embroidery, painting, drawing……… It’s the only way to truly grow and understand the world.

I just want the world to know that I am here to help tell your story in ways you didn’t realize.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a born and raised Georgian, but Atlanta is an amazing and eclectic place. I have always loved Centennial Park, The Belt Line area, and Peachtree Street.

I used to work at both the Childrens Museum of Atlanta, and the GA Aquarium. So, of course, I’d have to hang around my old stomping grounds. It’s a great area too for conventions and Americas Mart. The Aquarium is one of my favorite places, I can sit, watch, and sketch all day in there. Sea Lions are the best.

I only recently found a love for the Beltline. I do Pop-up Markets in those areas on the Beltline and it’s so much fun to see all the places to eat and enjoy the arts and other peoples company.

I went to college at SCAD off Peachtree St. and have always gone to plays at the FOX and get bubble tea at Sweet Hut, obviously a great place to take a friend to walk and look around. It’s the perfect street to get to a lot by walking.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am blessed to have people in my corner, who always saw it before I could.

One person in particular believed in me when no one would, and I was fresh out of college being told I wasn’t good enough to pursue a career in Illustration. Jerry G. White, owner of A Performance Method, believed in my work and skill. He gave me the opportunity to illustrate my first Children’s Book, “Anansi and the Colorful Kente Cloth”, and did an amazing amount of work to pursue our publication. I owe him everything for believing in me and giving me my first jolt of self-confidence and worth.

Website: https://cillustrates.com

Instagram: C.illustrates90

Facebook: Courtney Strickland

Other: Etsy:

cillustrates90.etsy.com