We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Addie Stallings. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Addie below.
Addie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
As an artist, I’ve found that the best way to keep creativity alive is to intentionally feed my senses. I surround myself with things that inspire me, like colors, music, nature and good conversation. Creativity is something that cannot be forced, so I try to stay open to the world around me and let inspiration present itself. Simple things like the way light hits a wall, a lyric or line from a song, or just a word within conversation can spark an idea.
When I do feel like I’m in a creative block, I don’t need to panic anymore. I’ve learned how to mentally shift out of ‘work’ mode. To me, this means doing things just for fun with no pressure from myself or social media. I’ll scribble or doodle in a notebook, rearrange the things to change my environment, or experiment with new styles or materials. Letting myself make ‘bad art’ or do things imperfectly helps mute that inner critic. The more I allow room for happiness and exploration, the more my creativity feels like a natural part of me rather than something I chase.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I own a business, but I consider myself an artist first. I genuinely enjoy spending my time painting, sketching or digitally drawing. Creating has always been my way of expressing myself. My work is inspired mostly by nature and nostalgia. I really enjoy working with fine lines, texture and bold colors to bring those ideas to life. Some of my favorites to experiment with are dot art and blacklight reactive paint.
The most exciting part about running the business itself is the connections I’ve made with other artists. Creativity thrives in community, and I am lucky to be part of such a supportive one. As an artist, the ability to spend my time doing what I love is truly a dream. I wouldn’t be here without the encouragement of my husband, family, and friends, and I am endlessly grateful for their support.
Right now, I’m focused on changing themes, which I am excited to share. I have been super into the Wild West/Texas vibe recently, but it’s time for a change. I like to keep rotating through ideas, and sometimes I even revisit them when I want to revamp the originals. Through my art and business, I hope to continue creating lots of art, building connections and encouraging others to follow their passions as well.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Creativity feels obvious, but it is the core of everything I do. It’s not just about creating the art, but it’s about exploring, experimenting and learning along the way. Accepting imperfection and creating ‘bad’ art is all a part of the creative process.
Patience has been important, too. Growth does not happen overnight and that includes improving your art or building a brand. There have been many times where I have wanted things to move faster, but it’s about trusting the process. Keep showing up, even when things feel slow.
Finally, technical skills- this was a learning curve, but it’s fun now. Whether it’s improving my painting techniques, messing with marketing platforms or learning new digital tools, developing skills gives you freedom to create YOUR vision.
In the end, nothing happens overnight, but with time you can improve your skills to create the vision and vibe that you want to portray.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The person who’s been the most helpful in my journey is my husband. I met him when I was 17, just a few months after starting my business. He’s always been my biggest supporter. He helps me stay grounded, reminds me of my goals and keeps me focused when things feel overwhelming. One of the biggest things I’m grateful for is that he has worked hard to allow me to fully pursue my creative path. Having that support has made it possible for me to grow my skill, my business, and give my art the energy it deserves. We are a team, he’s always believed in what I’m building just as much as I do, if not more. That kind of mutual belief from someone you love makes a world of difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EffervescentArtShop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/effervescentartshop
- Other: Tiktok: @adddair
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.