Meet Lea Ann Slotkin | Artist + Creative Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lea Ann Slotkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lea Ann, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I disagree with the idea of ‘hustle culture’ especially as a creative business owner. When I first became a full time artist I thought if I wasn’t working on a new painting, my marketing plan or professional development I wasn’t working hard enough.

That model didn’t work out so well, it led to burnout and never feeling satisfied.

I have since learned that as a creative leaving space for quiet thought and time away from the studio is just as important as putting my brush to the canvas.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work with acrylic paint and mixed media, more specifically pastel, graphite, ink, vintage ephemera, bits of things that evoke a sense of nostalgia. I build my final vision from the ground up, which means I spend the good part of my process on background layers, I have been told this gives my work a lot of energy and visual excitement. I love leaving little hints of magic peeking through; to leave space for wonder and reflection about one’s own story. I love color and don’t shy away from it. I think my many years in fashion helped refine my palette and pattern mixing, and for that I am grateful.

I’m proud of the fact I’ve made a go of being a full time artist, I had no idea how I was going to do it but continue to figure it out. I am excited to help other artists build a creative business they are proud of and hopefully avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way.

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.
We would start by walking the Atlanta Beltline, it’s such a great way to experience the city and sample amazing restaurants. . We would end up back in Decatur where I live and head to Leon’s full service for the best french fries and then pop over to White Bull or No. 246 for a great Italian dinner. At some point during the visit we would hit the art hot spots like the High Museum, The Bakery and the galleries in Buckhead. Once we had our fill of city life we would head to Serenbe to relax and enjoy some quiet time in nature.

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?
Not only does it take a village to raise a child, it also take one to raise a small business! I am so grateful for the help and advice I have received over the years, I want to shout-out to my village, my people who encourage me and push me to keep going when it feels most difficult. I am very fortunate because my husband is my biggest cheerleader, he see things in me that I have a hard time seeing in myself. If we want to go way back in time I would have to say my high school art teacher, she was very encouraging. My support system is amazing.

Website: www.leaannslotkin.com

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