Harrison Blackford on Building a Successful Art Career: Lessons in Vulnerability, Creativity, and Growth

In this episode of The Art Coaching Club Podcast, I spoke with Charleston-based artist Harrison Blackford, who shared insights from her 12-year journey in becoming a full-time abstract and impressionist painter. Harrison’s story offers valuable lessons for any artist navigating the path between creativity and business.

1. Putting Yourself Out There

Harrison emphasizes the importance of taking risks in promoting your work:

"You kind of have to get uncomfortable... Once you kind of get over that hump, you're like, 'all right, I'm just going to put myself out there and see how people react.'"

Stepping outside your comfort zone, whether by showcasing your art online or in person, is a key aspect of finding success. The more you share your work, the easier it becomes to connect with your audience and grow your artistic brand.

2. Experimenting with New Art

Harrison shares her love for experimentation, which is a significant part of her artistic growth:

"I love trying something new... You try it, and it ends up being something you love."

By embracing commissions and new projects, Harrison highlights the joy and growth that come from pushing your creative boundaries. Trying new things opens doors to discovering new techniques and styles.

3. Finding and Developing Your Style

For young artists, finding a unique voice can be a challenge. Harrison’s advice is to paint consistently:

"Take up a canvas and go... Paint the same thing three times and look at those paintings to see what you liked."

Through repetition and experimentation, artists can identify what resonates most with their style and begin to hone their voice over time.

4. Personal Evolution as an Artist

Harrison reflects on how her work has evolved over the years:

"I can see how my work has changed in 12 years... I’ve gotten so much looser and freer."

Artists naturally evolve over time, and Harrison encourages embracing these changes. Her shift toward more abstract, impressionistic work mirrors her growing confidence and creative freedom.

5. Showing Personality Through Art

Harrison believes that artwork should convey the artist’s personality:

"I hope my personality comes through in my paintings... Something that draws you in or takes you somewhere else."

Art that carries the artist’s unique essence has a way of deeply connecting with viewers, leaving a lasting impact.

6. The Impact of Workshops and New Experiences

Harrison speaks highly of how external experiences, like workshops, have shaped her work:

"I did a workshop in France, and that has totally transformed my style."

New experiences can provide artists with fresh perspectives, enriching their artistic approach and broadening their scope.

7. Avoiding Trends and Focusing on Originality

One of the key lessons from Harrison is to stay true to your unique voice:

"You don’t want to be that artist copying someone else’s work... Lean into what works for you."

Rather than following trends, Harrison advises artists to focus on what resonates personally. True originality comes from painting a lot and refining your voice.

8. Overcoming Challenges and Finding Joy

Harrison stresses the importance of pushing past challenges to find your unique voice:

"When you try to be similar to someone else... If you clear out the noise and just paint, you'll start to see, 'Okay, this feels like me.'"

Finding your voice is a rewarding experience, and it happens when you allow your authentic self to shine through in your work.

Conclusion

Harrison Blackford’s journey offers invaluable lessons in embracing vulnerability, persistence, and originality. For artists looking to carve their path, her advice to paint authentically and push boundaries is essential. To hear the full interview, check out the podcast episode.

Learn more about Harrison.