Meet Carrie Cantwell

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

Hi Carrie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I worked as a freelance film and television graphic designer for 16 years before I decided to start my own business. Although I loved my movie career, I was getting burnt out making other people’s visions a reality. I felt like—since life is short—I wanted to start creating the art I want to see in the world. I had experience running my own graphic design firm from way back in the early 2000s (before my movie career) so I knew a bit about contracts, billing, legal, etc. and it felt like a natural progression for me to become an art entrepreneur.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is fun, bright, cute, often silly, and lighthearted. My artist’s mission is to make people smile, because we need more joy in the world. I’m most proud when I show my art to someone in person—like my Reach for the Stars cat illustration—and they crack up laughing. I feel like I’ve achieved my mission of brightening someone’s day and lightening their load. There is far too much seriousness and gloom in the world we live in, so if I’ve made someone happy, I feel like I’ve done my job.

I got to where I am today through a combination of grit and determination. I have a very strong sense of stick-to-it-ness (is that a word?) and I never give up on something if it’s a dream of mine. I’ve learned from years of experience that there are multiple paths to the same goal, and if I turn down one road and find it’s not working for me, I just go back to the intersection and try another path.

I, like every artist, have faced my fair share of rejection. Experience has taught me to not take it personally, let it roll off my back, and keep going. My art may not be for everyone, but I create directly from my heart, and my people are out there. Those who love my art are dedicated fans, and repeat customers and art licensees.

I’m notoriously persistent and assertive, which comes from a sense of passion in what I do and dedication to myself as a professional artist. As an art entrepreneur, I know I have to be my own cheerleader and my biggest champion, and I embrace that every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d take them to Piedmont Park, because it’s such a gem in our city. We are lucky to have such a vast, beautiful outdoor green space and the lovely weather to enjoy it. I’d also take them to walk around the East Atlanta village, because it has so much to offer in terms of cute little boutiques and restaurants.

I’d take them to Bomb Biscuit for yummy biscuits and fresh hot coffee, and because I’m vegan, I’d get the vegan SEC which is probably one of my fave meals in town: it’s a vegan sausage + egg + cheese biscuit sandwich. I love supporting Bomb Biscuit because they’re a local Black-owned business, and they can rock a biscuit! I would also take them to Herban Fix, which is probably my favorite vegan restaurant in town. Even if they weren’t vegan, I’d bring them there to show that vegan food can be fancy, complex, delicious and surprising.

We’d definitely have to visit the DeKalb Farmers Market, because they have such a great eclectic mix of international food, wine, and vegetables from all over the world. I’ve never seen a market like it anywhere else.

I’d take them shopping at Second Life Upscale Resale, because it’s my favorite place to shop for clothes and accessories. It’s environmentally responsible, because everything there is pre-loved, and the proceeds from their sales go directly to rescuing and helping cats and dogs.

I’d bring my guest to Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium too, because it’s such a hoot, I really enjoy all the weird and cool art on the walls, and it’s just a super fun place to hang out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out Stacie Bloomfield and the Leverage Your Art course. Even though I had a BFA in graphic design and had worked professionally as a freelance artist for over 20 years, I learned so much in this comprehensive crash course in art licensing, product-based businesses and art entrepreneurship. I 100% believe it’s what launched me into the successful artist I am today.

Website: https://www.carriecantwell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriecantwellart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriecantwell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieCantwellArt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carriecantwellart

Other: SkillShare: https://bit.ly/4aPWYXg Graphics Gang: https://bit.ly/49d4laj My Etsy Shop: https://carriecantwellart.etsy.com Subscribe to my email newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/635c1cc8647f997fb25c886e My Society6 Shop: https://society6.com/carriecantwell?curator=carriecantwell My Spoonflower Shop: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/carrie_cantwell My Redbubble Shop: https://thecuratorprogram.pxf.io/5gzxW1

Image Credits
All images ⓒ Copyright Carrie Cantwell