Meet Shelby Criswell

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shelby Criswell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shelby, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I’ve been in tune with the creative side of my brain my whole life, but ideas have ebbed and flowed over time. For a while in my twenties, I used to be so blocked mentally that I couldn’t create without the help of alcohol. The fount of ideas dries out pretty quickly when you’re not replenishing it, and you can only make so much nihilist art before it gets redundant.

A blocked mind is probably the worst thing an artist can have.

In my late twenties, I took a long and hard look at my life and decided that I needed a change. I quit drinking for a year, started working out and going on walks, ate more whole foods, and started meditating. It was great for my health, but it was even better for my creativity.

Fast forward to now, in my thirties, I am free with my art. It no longer feels like a chore to make it. I go into the studio, and the fount of ideas is overflowing, and I don’t have time for all of the things I want to do. The key has not only been taking care of my body and mind, but it has also been letting go of “making good art.” I’ve learned to fall more in love with the process of making art rather than what the outcome or the reaction to it from others will be.

Once you decide to make art for the sake of making art and stop all of the pretenses around your “artistic genius,” then the ideas will come– and they won’t stop!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I just hit ten years of being a full-time working artist in multiple disciplines, from studio art to comic book illustration to graphic design. I get bored of doing the same thing over and over, so I trying out new mediums and seeing how I can combine my skills in new and fun ways.

In 2022, I started plein air painting and absolutely adore it. Going outside in nature has been one of the most healing things for me as an artist and has informed how I do all of my work now. I’ve started combining my plein air paintings into quilted wall hangings. It’s been such a fun challenge learning how to sew, and I still have a long ways to go.

In August, I’ll be doing my second residency. I’ll be spending a little under two weeks in Terlingua, Texas, right outside of Big Bend National Park. What an honor it is to be able to spend that much time making art in one of the most beautiful places in our country, especially during a time where public lands are under threat of being taken away.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. For working artists, organization is one of the most important skills you can possess. Keeping a calendar and/or a planner has been a lifesaver for my business. It allows me to plan my day in such a way that keeps me on top of deadlines, bills, applications, meetings, etc.

2. Communication is also an important thing to develop. I used to be so shy and would find ways to avoid in-person meetings, phone calls, and online meetings. For the longest time, I only ran my business through text and email, but now I’m out and about talking to everyone. Learning to talk to people has been the best thing I’ve done for myself as a self-employed artist. It has also allowed me to take on jobs I’d never ever do even five years ago, like teaching.

3. Lastly, play is so, so, so important for any creative. If you go into your studio or sit at your desk and expect to create a masterpiece every time, you’re inevitably going to fail. The only way to learn to create amazing things is through practice– and practicing art is all play. Some of the most incredible pieces I’ve made have come from playing around in my sketchbook or messing with new materials. Go play!!

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents always encouraged my art and found a way to buy materials for me. I think they saw the potential I had at a young age and pushed me to continue. They also never questioned anything I drew or why I was making it; they just let me play. I hold that so dear when I’m making art now.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.shelbycriswell.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbycriswell/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shelbycriswellart

Image Credits

Albert Gonzales is the photographer on my headshot