Meet Teagan Burns

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Teagan Burns. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Teagan, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence and self-esteem have been hard-earned traits in my life. Growing up, I always felt a little different from my peers. I constantly compared myself to other girls my age—were they prettier than me? Did they think I was weird? Did other people notice that I wasn’t stick-thin? These insecurities followed me into high school, where I often felt caught between different social groups.

I was both an athlete and an artist, a combination that wasn’t common in my school. The athletes didn’t always understand my ‘weird’ creative side, and the artists were often more introverted than I was. I worried I was bothering them when I tried to connect. I spent years struggling to find my place, questioning whether I was worthy of friendship or even kindness. In an effort to fit in, I convinced myself that if I just looked like the other girls—thinner, smaller, more conventionally pretty—I would finally feel accepted. This led to obsessive exercise, sometimes three times a day, and restrictive eating, following bad advice from a dietitian who told me to limit myself to 1,200 calories a day. Instead of gaining confidence, I felt it slipping away.

But over time, the people I had been trying so hard to connect with—the creatives—began to open up to me. I found friends who embraced my quirks and encouraged me to be myself. They helped me see that my ‘weird’ side wasn’t something to hide—it was something to celebrate.

By the time I graduated high school, I was finally reclaiming the confidence I had as a child, when all that mattered was being myself. My mom often told me that, as a kid, I had the ability to make friends wherever I went. I didn’t truly understand what a gift that was until I went to college and found myself surrounded by fellow artists—people who, like me, didn’t quite fit into a single box. That’s when I realized confidence wasn’t about conforming; it was about embracing exactly who I am.

I’m not perfect—there are still days when my confidence and self-esteem feel as fragile as they did back then. But when I find myself stuck in that negativity, I remind myself of how far I’ve come and how strong I am for making it through. Confidence isn’t infallible—it’s fluid. Some days, you’ll have more of it; other days, less. The important thing is to be kind to yourself and recognize that simply showing up and pushing forward is incredible in itself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am an artist and educator based in Grand Rapids, MI. Originally, I went to school to be an artist, earning my BA in Illustration. But after graduating, I found myself asking, What the hell do I do now? I had no idea what career I wanted to pursue—I just knew I loved art.

Growing up, my dad often told my brothers and me, “It’s never a bad idea to serve your country.” I used to joke with him about the absurdity of me being in the army—I could barely follow basic instructions, so I knew the military wasn’t for me. But a few months after graduating, he brought it up again, this time with a different angle: “What about the Peace Corps?”

That idea sparked something in me—two years of serving in a remote community, learning about another culture, and making a difference? I was intrigued. I started researching, reached out to a recruiter, and was advised to gain experience by substitute teaching. That’s how I found myself in a long-term subbing position for a 6th-grade art class while the teacher was on medical leave. To say I loved it would be an understatement. The challenge of developing lessons, fostering creativity, and being part of a space where kids could freely express themselves—it all clicked for me.

In July 2019, I officially joined the Peace Corps and was placed in South Africa. I was only there for 10 months before the pandemic sent me back home, but that experience solidified my decision: I wanted to be an art teacher. So, I went back to school for my Art Education degree, and by September 2022, I was in my very own classroom.

Teaching isn’t easy—some days make me want to bang my head against a wall—but being a mentor and providing a safe, creative space for my students keeps me coming back. I want them to see the value in their unique perspectives and feel empowered to explore their creativity.

When summer rolls around, I shift gears and focus on being a full-time artist. I sell my work at markets, take part in public art projects, and compete in large-scale competitions like ArtPrize. I’m currently expanding my online presence through my website, teaganburnsart.com, where I sell prints and take on commissions.

At my core, I’m both an artist and an educator—two roles that constantly feed into each other. Whether it’s through my own creative work or through teaching, my goal is to inspire, connect, and tell stories that matter.

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?

I recently had a conversation with a parent who asked how I grade student work. I told her, “I grade on effort and intentionality.” She added, “And creativity?” That moment stuck with me because those three qualities—effort, intentionality, and creativity—have been the most impactful in my own journey.

Effort
I’ve had people tell me, “I could never be an artist like you.” That’s simply not true. If they put in the effort to improve, they could run with the greatest out there. Art is often seen as a “god-given talent,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. No artist gets to where they are without putting in the time to refine their skills. I’ve spent countless hours drawing, studying techniques, and experimenting with different styles. Effort is what separates those who wish they could create from those who actually do.

Intentionality
Great art isn’t just about skill—it’s about purpose. A work of art needs intention behind it to resonate with others, and the same goes for an artist (or anyone) trying to grow. I was intentional about pushing myself beyond what felt comfortable. I deliberately explored digital art, started selling at markets, and applied to competitions like ArtPrize. Each step I took was purposeful, even when I wasn’t sure where it would lead.

Creativity
You might think, Well, of course, creativity is important—you’re an artist! But what people don’t always realize is how hard it is to be creative all the time. I’ve gone through periods of burnout where my creativity was at an all-time low. Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about problem-solving, adapting, and pushing through tough times.
Right now, I’m working on a side project where I create a small sketch each day. This daily practice has been pulling me out of my creative funk. I don’t always manage to do it every day (life keeps me busy), but I’m making a conscious effort to prioritize creativity in my life.

Effort, intentionality, and creativity have shaped my journey as both an artist and an educator. They’re qualities that anyone—whether in the arts or another field—can develop and improve upon. The key is to keep showing up, stay purposeful in your pursuits, and give yourself the space to create, adapt, and grow.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

My current challenge is time. I’ve chosen professions that are incredibly demanding in the beginning for little pay. I knew this going in, but that doesn’t make the struggle any less real. Right now, my plate is full—I’m a full-time teacher, a part-time artist, an active member of my teachers’ union, a graduate student, and I take on additional side jobs to make ends meet.

I don’t share this for sympathy but to highlight a reality that many people—not just artists—face. Balancing multiple responsibilities can feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned to be intentional with my time. I prioritize tasks, set clear boundaries, and make sure to include both rest and creativity in my routine. Maintaining my daily art practice, even in small ways, has been a crucial form of self-care.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that saying “no” is okay—I can’t do everything that people ask of me, and that’s not a failure. My ultimate goal is to create a sustainable work-life balance. I’m putting in the work now so that, in the future, I can have more freedom to focus on the things that truly matter to me.

I know I’m not alone in this struggle, and I hope others in demanding careers know that it’s okay to set boundaries, take breaks, and prioritize what truly matters. You’re not alone- you can do this!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teaganburnsart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaganburnsart/