Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katy Lipscomb. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katy, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This is something that I’ve talked about a lot with my peers, friends, and even my clients, so I’m thrilled that you asked. Imposter syndrome, or the inability to believe that your success is deserved, is honestly something that I continually struggle with, but it has gotten much better over time.
Early in my career, as I started receiving commissions from more well-known brands, I was plagued with doubt. I’ve always done work that is incredibly personal and sincere to my artistic vision, so having it validated by clients who wanted my art on their products felt almost too good to be true. I was excited, sure, but also filled with doubt about whether I truly deserved that recognition.
This caused me to undervalue my work and accept less favorable contract terms, as too often, I was comparing myself to more established artists and assuming the prices they must be getting paid. However, as more and more companies reached out with exciting proposals—like when Topps chose me to create exclusive artwork for the Star Wars™ trading card app—the reassurance that they valued my unique vision helped bolster my confidence.
Something that really helped was relying on a community that I had built online. From a very young age, I started posting my work online and developed a group of followers who not only believed in my abilities but understood the growth that was possible through experimentation. With each commercial project, I would share my creations and be overwhelmed by the amount of positive responses. This helped enormously, as when working with commercial clients, it can be hard to really know what they think of your work since you usually aren’t given much validation. To have my own community from which I could get honest feedback was really helpful in validating my successes.
Additionally, a significant amount of support came from my partner and now husband, Tyler Fisher. Whenever those old doubts creep back in, he’s the first to remind me how far I’ve come and to point out that my unique style is what makes my art stand out. Additionally, in creating artwork, there are so many essential items that have to be taken care of, and from very early on, he agreed to assume that burden by negotiating contracts, managing client relations, developing new products, and providing strategic insights into our business. I’m truly so lucky to have him as a means of love, validation, and support.
Over the years, the feeling of being an imposter in the industry has definitely diminished, but every now and then, when I feel those feelings creeping in, I just have to remember that comparison is the thief of joy, and there is a reason that we have been able to stay in business and succeed for over 10 years now. As Tyler constantly reminds me, it’s really about embracing that no one else sees the world quite the way I do and recognizing the undeniable value that this asserts.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve always been deeply connected with nature while inspired by the vibrant possibilities of our imagination. Because of this, our work through Katy Lipscomb LLC aims to capture the intersection between the real and the imagined. Through vibrant, dreamlike color palettes and intricate details, each piece invites viewers into a world where the ordinary blends with the fantastical, creating something truly extraordinary. What excites me most about my work is the ability to share these creations with a global audience, as I seek to inspire wonder and joy universally, regardless of the viewer’s age, background, or preconceptions.
We hear from our followers and clients how a piece of our art has transformed their space and their mindset, encouraging them to find magic in the mundane. And now, we are taking this a step further with “The Artist’s Drawing Book,” a comprehensive guide designed to empower others with the tools and knowledge to explore their own artistic journey. This book is a culmination of years of learning and teaching, packed with insights on improving one’s craft regardless of their skill level. We’ve been thrilled with the book’s reception so far, having been featured in Colored Pencil Magazine, Artists & Illustrators Magazine, and Leisure Painter Magazine. We were even honored with a Gold award from Pubwest for the book’s design, for which I have to give Tyler and our publisher all the credit as they worked day and night to ensure that every detail was perfect.
Additionally, we’ve been working to enhance our video production, hoping to give viewers a deeper look into the development, process, and transformation of each piece. Of course, video is a craft in and of itself, but we have been improving exponentially and are excited by all the possibilities it could enable. With the rise of AI generative art, it has been interesting to see the shift in people’s opinions and beliefs when sharing our work. We’ve gotten more and more comments from people who seem unable to believe that we really make all of our pieces by hand with paper, ink, and pencil, so we hope that by being open and transparent about our creative process, we can help provide authenticity to our creations.
Through all these endeavors and as my brand continues to grow, our goal remains the same: to spread joy and wonder through art that delights, inspires, and makes a meaningful impact. Whether through our prints, products, or participation in conservation efforts, each facet of Katy Lipscomb LLC is a step towards making the world a more vibrant, inspiring, and thoughtful place. Whether you’re a long-time follower or discovering my work for the first time, I hope you’ll join us on this colorful journey, to find joy in creation and connection through art.
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?
Reflecting on my artistic journey and the development of my brand, three key qualities and skills stand out as the most fundamental to success: committing to your art every day, working as professionally as possible, and building a strong support network.
Making Art Every Day:
Dedication to daily practice has been instrumental in honing my craft and maintaining my creative flow. Whether sketching, painting, or exploring new mediums, each day adds invaluable experience, heightens the depth of my work, and helps me to find innovative solutions to artistic challenges. Immersing myself in as many different experiences as possible: play with many different mediums, draw from a variety of styles and influences, and not being afraid to make mistakes. This exploration is what fuels creativity and leads to the discovery of unique artistic vision. It’s not just about keeping my skills sharp; it’s about continually evolving and pushing the boundaries of what I can create. I encourage budding artists to make their practice routine a priority, as this not only improves technique but also deepens one’s connection to one’s own artistic voice. Remember that no one else can make your art and that your perspective has enormous value.
Working Professionally:
Professionalism in the arts extends beyond mere talent. It involves understanding the business side of art, from contract negotiation to rights management. Early in my career, I learned the hard way the importance of being legally literate, which has since empowered me to protect my work and negotiate fair terms. Establishing a professional presence online and offline also plays a critical role, whether it’s through a well-maintained website, professional email communications, or active social media engagement. These platforms not only showcase my work but also establish my credibility in the industry. If you familiarize yourself with industry standards early on, it can be incredibly empowering, and the increased professionalism helps clients to know that you are the right choice for the job.
Building a Strong Support Network:
No artist is an island, and having a robust network of peers, mentors, and clients has been crucial to my success. Maintaining relationships with clients and colleagues has led to repeat business and new opportunities, while support from peers provides a community of encouragement and advice. If you work with a client, whether a large company or a single individual, do your best to keep in touch. You never know when they might need more work, would be interested in connecting you with others in the field, or might see an opportunity to utilize your work in an exciting way. We’ve always tried to be as professional yet authentic as possible, and it seems to resonate as many of our clients seem to reach out again and again over the years, for which we are beyond grateful.
For those just starting out, focus on these areas: commit to making art daily, educate yourself on the business aspects of being an artist, and actively build and maintain professional relationships. These pillars will not only support your growth but also ensure your sustainability and fulfillment in the creative world.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
So many different individuals have inspired, influenced, and assisted me with my creative pursuits over the years, but I would honestly say that the dominant force is my partner and husband, Tyler Fisher. He has been paramount in the current success of the business, overcoming every challenge we have faced artistically and professionally, and making each of our business and artistic goals a reality.
Many people think of artists as sole individuals who simply paint or draw in a room and then somehow just show their work in a gallery, but it is so much more than that. We separate our creations into three main components: the artwork, which is the final resulting illustration; the “content,” which is capturing the development, creation, display, and other elements of the piece through videos, photos, blogs, and more; and then there is the “application,” which includes all of the reproductions, licensing deals, and other uses of the artwork or the content.
Because of this, Tyler often jokes that we could have an entire team of people working for us, and they would never be bored or without work, and yet somehow, we operate as a two-person team. Tyler has single-handedly taken over the roles of product designer, social media manager, head of client relations, legal advisor, creative director, copyeditor, and so much more. His role in our company transcends the day-to-day; it is about vision, about seeing the potential in every sketch and every deal. When a client reaches out from an industry we haven’t worked in before, such as with our recent fabric collection with Studio E, Tyler comprehensively researches to know the terminology, the processes, the elements that make a design successful, current trends, market expectations, and so on.
His meticulous attention to detail in scanning and digitally cataloging my artwork allows me to focus fully on creating. This synergy not only enhances our efficiency but also maintains the quality and integrity of our work. Tyler’s foresight in managing our supplies and logistics has also allowed us to take on ambitious projects without overextending our resources. His proactive approach was particularly evident when we launched our video content series. By handling the behind-the-scenes details, Tyler enabled us to produce high-quality, engaging videos that offer fans a closer look at our creative process, thereby enhancing our connection with our audience.
There are few people in this world who are more flexible, capable, positive, and insightful, and I consider myself beyond lucky to have him, as this allows me to focus my time and attention on the creative elements, working each day on new sketches, artworks, and collections. Tyler’s dedication has not just supported me personally but has propelled Katy Lipscomb LLC to new heights, making every challenge a shared adventure and every success a shared joy. His partnership reminds me daily that the right collaboration can turn visions into vivid realities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katylipscomb.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katy_lipscomb/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/katylipscombart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/katylipscombart
- Other: Our Book: https://amzn.to/3U3vkAL
Image Credits
Artworks ©Katy Lipscomb LLC
