Christy King: Balancing Art, Business, and Motherhood

In this episode of The Art Coaching Club Podcast, Christy King, a gifted representational artist, offers insight into her artistic journey. From her early days as an art educator to becoming a successful full-time artist, Christy shares valuable lessons on balancing creativity, business, and motherhood.

From Art Education to Professional Artist

Christy’s path to becoming a professional artist is rooted in her extensive background in art education. After earning a degree in art and education from UNC Chapel Hill, she completed a Master of Education at Vanderbilt University. For over a decade, she taught art to children in Montessori schools and art museums, nurturing young creatives while honing her own artistic skills.

In 2016, Christy made a pivotal decision to prioritize her own art practice. Relocating to Nashville, she embarked on her creative journey in earnest by attending graduate school part-time, allowing her the flexibility to explore various artistic mediums. She experimented with collage and oil painting, eventually finding her niche in representational art, where she focuses on painting florals and landscapes.

Evolving Her Art and Business

Christy’s art style grew and evolved over time, shaped by her commitment to creating hundreds of pieces. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she was represented by the online gallery Well and Wonder, a partnership that significantly boosted her visibility and helped expand her business. This representation provided a platform for her to showcase her work to a broader audience while aligning with her values as an artist.

While her focus remains on creating high-quality artwork, Christy also dedicates time to teaching others. She leads painting classes for adults, both in person and online, offering aspiring artists the opportunity to learn from her expertise. In addition to traditional gallery representation, Christy uses social media, email marketing, and participation in local art festivals as effective strategies to grow her business. Through a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and her online presence, she has developed a loyal following.

Challenges in Art and Motherhood

One of the significant challenges Christy has faced is balancing her art career with her role as a mother. With the birth of her first child, she had to adapt her workflow and manage her time more efficiently, carving out moments to create art amid her responsibilities as a parent. The support of her online gallery and her ability to delegate tasks, such as outsourcing photography and social media, has allowed her to maintain both her professional momentum and her family life.

Christy openly discusses the reality of juggling business operations, creative work, and motherhood. The challenge of finding time to create without the pressure of producing for the market is something she has learned to manage, reminding herself that both her art and her family deserve attention and care. She’s grateful for the opportunity to work on projects that align with her artistic vision, such as securing a studio space and collaborating on a textile line.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

For emerging artists, Christy offers advice grounded in patience and consistency. She emphasizes the importance of allowing your artistic style to develop organically without rushing the process. One key takeaway is not to feel pressured to apply for gallery representation or exhibition opportunities before you feel ready, as the quality of your work will speak for itself when the time is right.

She also stresses the importance of a consistent creative practice, balancing studio time with strategic marketing efforts. Whether it’s through social media engagement, email marketing, or participation in art festivals, maintaining visibility and building connections are essential for long-term success.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Creativity and Family

As Christy prepares for the birth of her second child, she is reflecting on how to balance her growing family with her flourishing art career. Her focus remains on producing high-quality artwork and exploring opportunities to feature her art in interior design spaces and publications. She is excited to embrace this new chapter, finding ways to continue nurturing both her creative work and her family life.

Conclusion

Christy King’s journey as an artist and entrepreneur serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of finding balance between creativity and business. Her thoughtful approach to art and motherhood provides invaluable insights for other artists seeking to navigate the complexities of a creative career while building a fulfilling life outside the studio.

Follow Christy King here.