IN THE STUDIO WITH ARTIST HAYLEY WRIGHT
We love meeting artists who have their hands in a ton of creative ventures, and Hayley Wright of Paper + Ink is one those gals. She’s a freelance illustrator who does cool paintings and drawings, plus she designs skateboard and longboard decks and created The Skateboard Collective for riders who want their own custom deck. Oh—and she also has her own online vintage clothing shop. Hayley recently took the time to sit down with us and give us some insight into her process and progress as a creative entrepreneur.
1. Hi Hayley, thanks for chatting with us. So can you tell us a bit about yourself? If you had to describe yourself in just one sentence, what would it be?
Hello! I am an illustrator and skateboard designer, running a small company out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, called Paper + Ink.
If I had to describe myself in one sentence, it would definitely be: motivated maniac, consistently covered in coffee or glitter (but sometimes both), working her butt off to become a professional artist.
2. At what point in your life did you decide you were going to pursue art as a career?
I don’t think being an artist was ever really a question but it was a long journey. I always knew I wanted to pursue art, however, it seemed like an unrealistic dream. When I was about halfway through my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, I panicked a bit and decided to have a back-up degree in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. Destiny had my back, though, because that’s where I first learned about Fashion Illustration and really fell in love with this style of art. After that, I was hooked, and couldn’t imagine doing anything else for my career!
3.You’re based in Edmonton, Alberta. What’s the contemporary art scene like there?
When I first moved to Edmonton, I really had no idea what the art scene was like but I have been pleasantly surprised. It is a vibrant community with so many welcoming creatives. Plus, tons of cool spaces and galleries are popping up all over the city and creating a really cool culture in this city!
4.Tell us a bit about your illustrations. Where do you draw your inspiration from and is there a philosophy behind your work?
I wanted to make artwork that was beautiful and inspiring, so that’s really what my work is about. I do like creating soft and delicate images that are juxtaposed with a strong emotion, but the ultimate goal is beauty. My inspiration is drawn from stunning images that I find all over. Once I see an image that I have to draw, I’ll try to find a way to change it or make it just a bit more interesting, and then I can start bringing it to life.
5. How did you get into designing skateboard decks?
I began designing skateboard decks in the summer of 2016. I was beginning to get bored drawing on paper and wanted to try something new. I was also looking to explore a new market and find a way to make my artwork portable. I had the idea to create a skateboard deck so I made one just for fun and was completely obsessed after that. I never intended for it to become it’s own business but the demand was overwhelming and I loved making them!
6. What is a typical day like for you?
Since I’m not quite a full-time artist yet, I do spend a few hours in the mornings at a day job, but am always home by noon. Then I jump head-on into emails, and spend a few minutes looking at new inspiration. Afterwards, I spend a couple of hours on whatever project needs attention that day- whether it is a skateboard, illustration, or tweaking my website. I’ll spend another small chunk of time prepping some nice photos for social media. I usually stop when I am too hungry to function any longer, and then I know it’s time to have dinner and chill out for the day.
7. For you, what are the biggest challenges being a creative entrepreneur and working for yourself?
As a creative entrepreneur, my biggest challenge is self-doubt. If you’re having a hard day, it can be really easy to think “I can’t make this work”. If you’re not careful, those kinds of negative thoughts can spin out of control and leave you feeling absolutely gutted and defeated- and usually for no reason!
If I am having one of those days, I let myself have a guilt-free afternoon off and focus hard on self-care and positive thinking. I’m always back to normal the next day but it can be tough to rely on only yourself for positive reinforcements. There is no one else who will tell you you’re doing a good job, so make sure you tell yourself once in awhile!
8. What methods do you use to get your art out there to the world, and what do you find works the best for you in terms of connecting with new fans and potential clients?
I have been very lucky to have Instagram as my main showcase for my work. About 90% of my clients have found me through Instagram and the other 10% has been through word-of-mouth. In terms of meetings new fans and clients, it is really important to me that they feel they can trust me. I want them to know that when they come to be with a project, I will make darn sure they are nothing less than thrilled with the result!
9. Do you have any advice for other creative peeps looking to turn their artistic passion into a career?
My only advice to go for it and go for it all the way! It is not an easy career to have and for most, success only comes after years and years of hard work (and usually many tears). However, I can honestly say that it is the most rewarding career I can think of. There is nothing like seeing your work in a major shop display, or being promoted by a big brand that just makes you feel incredibly important.
10. Finally, we’re all about showcasing inspiring artists like yourself. Can you tell us about another awesome female creative entrepreneur in your community who inspires you and why?
There are so many incredible female entrepreneurs that I follow so I’ll have to share two!
Dallas Currow (@dallascurow) is an Edmonton-based photographer who I completely look up to. Her and I have only gotten to know each other a few months ago, but I am always so inspired by her sunny attitude and her go-getter philosophy. She understands the challenges of the creative industry but she doesn’t get discouraged. Plus, she is also a killer makeup and hair artist, combining all of her interests when she does a photoshoot!
Robyn Pees (@rcbynn) is a watercolour artist and illustrator based in Amsterdam. We have never met in person, but have gotten to know each other over Instagram and I have to say that she is easily one of my favourite artists. Not only is her work completely breathtaking and innovative, but she is the sweetest person I have ever met (or…e-met?).
Some artists can be protective of their methods and materials and are hard to get to know, but Robyn loves answering questions from her fans. She will take the time to explain her colour choices and her techniques to anyone that will ask, and is very encouraging. Her transparency is really what makes her so special.
These two girls are absolutely killing it and I am honoured to work alongside them!
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