We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julz Laforest a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Julz, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Self-care is an important practice in keeping my creativity alive. I believe that taking time to care for ourselves and relax creates the free space in our minds necessary for the creative spark to ignite. Space allows us the necessary room to experiment with ideas and the freedom for our minds to wander. Through that practice, I’m often reminded of how much joy is in my life which helps me stay in tune with the flow of life, which is where I draw much of my creativity from.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an artist based in Austin, Texas, known for using bright and bold colors to paint contemporary realism and abstract portraits. I work with various mediums, including acrylic, spray, UV, and glow-in-the-dark paints, as well as chalk.
Five years ago, following my divorce, I turned to painting as a creative outlet to process my emotions. With a background in sketching, painting felt like a natural transition. Over time and with practice, my skills improved, and my unique style emerged. While I’ve made progress as an artist, I had to overcome limiting beliefs and fears that were hindering the business side of my art. Recently, I conquered some of these obstacles and launched my website www.julzlaforestart.com where I showcase my original art, fine art prints, and apparel.
Having my own website has been a game changer as it’s significantly expanded my reach as an artist. I’m thrilled that I took this leap.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in my growth as an artist: not confining myself to a single style, embracing experimentation/failure, and fearlessly seeking guidance from others. While art might seem like a solitary pursuit, I’ve found a supportive community that is eager to assist and believe that as artists we don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
For new artists, I think it’s crucial to recognize that success comes when you’re ready. Allow your creative pursuits the time they need to reach their full potential as this process is your chance for true self-expression, and it’s okay for that process to take time. Listen to your instincts and don’t rush your work.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Credit goes to my friend, Derek B., for revealing the possibilities and opportunities that were within my grasp but hard for me to see. He recognized my potential and provided unwavering support, enabling me to grow at my own pace. He helped me realize that my art could be a viable career path and that I had the potential for success. Having an outside perspective has been extremely helpful in seeing myself and my full potential more clearly.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.julzlaforest.com
- Instagram: @julzlaforest.art
- Facebook: Julz Laforest
Image Credits
Sam Mann Videography. Marshall Moon Photography
