Meet Caity Marie | Artist & Events Coordinator

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

Hi Caity, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I first moved to Atlanta I knew I wanted to pursue being an artist, and so I began vending markets around the area while working part-time in an office. As I grew more involved in the vendor community and met amazing artists and makers in Atlanta, I wanted to help others build their brands, network and profit while also providing group support and advice. I have been attending art festivals since before I could walk and they have always been my favorite events. Starting in college I began a small collective with friends, and we often sold art at monthly local events; I wanted to continue that and also focus on helping fellow artists while not depending entirely on my own artwork for income.

In 2019 , I was able to expand our events to new locations and dedicate more time to promoting and enriching our events. We have been lucky enough to work with a number of amazing local venues who have helped us grow, share our work, and continue building our community. When stores reopened post-quarantine, it became apparent that even more people were looking to show their new small business and needed a source of income that also offered them creative freedom. I wanted to provide them a safe, outdoor environment to sell their goods and for people to shop local and support their friends. This, and creating a space for new and experienced vendors to learn and share with one another, continues to be my goal behind our business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always considered making art a form of therapy for myself. Most of my work is created as a meditative practice for me – I love bright colors, patterns, and pop culture. My work has been described as ‘psychedelic Lisa Frank.’ I enjoy creating otherworldly and fantastical scenes, mythical creatures, and often explore the themes of mental health, sexuality and identity through this imagery.

My entire life I have been an artist- I was lucky to go to an arts focused K-12 school and majored in Studio Art in college, earning a BFA at FSU. I have worked in all types of art styles and methods, and popup markets have provided me an amazing chance to get direct feedback from customers and spread my art to the city. Currently I focus on hand painted illustrations, stickers, and ice-dyed fabric art!

No part of the journey has been easy, but it is increasingly rewarding. Knowing I have helped friends spread their work, build their bases and give people a space to enjoy the arts is something I have always dreamed of being able to do and it is more fun than I could have imagined. The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn is how to set realistic expectations for myself and build healthy boundaries, which has always been a challenge for me, but gets easier as I grow more confident in our mission.

More than anything I would like everyone to know that one of the best things they can do to better their communities, neighborhoods and world is support local creators. It’s endlessly encouraging to spread support to those who create and explore new ideas. Shopping small and local businesses as they explore their crafts is one of the best ways you can do this!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Little 5 Points was the first place in Atlanta that I fell in love with, so I always take friends there first to check out the shops- don’t ever miss Criminal Records or performances at The Variety! East Atlanta Village is probably where I consider “my” neighborhood, however, and I always recommend checking out Flatiron, Bookish, and their other small businesses – if you haven’t had Happy Donuts you’re missing out dramatically. Of course, the High is amazing, but also check out the Center for Puppetry Arts – and you can always head over to the West End at Lee + White for local breweries, handmade gelato, rock climbing and more!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first business to give me an opportunity to host an event was Cultured South Fermentation Co, owned by the amazing Melanie Styles, and she has continued to support us ever since. I cannot overstate how lucky we have been to have her in our corner and giving us opportunities. It has been amazing to watch the West End neighborhood grow and change, and we love being able to host our weekly Sunday Funday markets there.

Music and Friends Atlanta has also been a cornerstone of our events – they have helped us provide live music, bands, DJs, and amazing performers at our events from the first few events we held. Partnering with them has allowed us to include musical artists with our visual creators! They host musical events all over town and give great opportunities to enjoy local music and meet great other music fans.

Website: linktr.ee/cryptidcreatives

Instagram: @cryptidcreatives

Facebook: facebook.com/cryptidcreatives

Other: My art: linktr.ee/alberolingarn

Image Credits
All photos taken by me (Caity Marie, Alberolingarn) or directed by me.