Today I am happy to announce the winner of the “Happy Every Day” Caption on an Image Contest, Jessica Peterson.
Jessica is an exciting young artist who aspires to make a living creating art. In the interview below Jessica shares with us her success using crowd funding via Kickstarter, how she’s overcoming her doubts and her plans for the future, plus much more.
I hope you enjoy the interview, and join me in congratulating Jessica! And thank you to all who entered the contest, you can view the entries on Pinterest.
Interview with Jessica Peterson:
Why did you enter the caption / image contest?
I love putting images with quotes. When I read “Happy Every Day” there were a lot of quotes from the book I liked, and I wanted to illustrate a few of them.
Why did you choose the picture you used?
Because out of all my nature pictures, that one in particular shows a person enjoying nature.
Why did you choose that specific quote?
When I read that quote, that picture popped in my head. One thing that makes me happy is nature. I love getting lost in nature with my camera.
Did you enjoy reading “Happy Every Day“?
I did enjoy reading “Happy Every Day.” There is a lot of good insight and quotes in it. I also liked how there are questions at the end of each section.
The part about Self Talk spoke to me. I had negative experiences at school. To this day, some of the things that were said still haunt me and make it easier for me to believe negative things about myself instead of positive.
This advice you gave stuck out to me: “Catch yourself when you say something negative or unkind about yourself. Change it to a positive phrase.”
If I don’t catch myself I will spiral down. I also want to acknowledge my accomplishments, but I can’t do that if I am talking negatively to myself.
What other types of art have you created?
Besides photography, I’ve done charcoal and pastel drawings, acrylic paintings, and I’m now I’m painting with oils.
Have you sold any of your work? And do you want to make a living as an artist?
Yes, I have sold 2 drawings so far. I’ve sold numerous photo/poetry pieces –collaboration with my mom, Anne Peterson.
And as far as me wanting to make a living with my art, yes, I absolutely want to.
I know you have utilized crowd funding to support your work. How did that go for you?
Not only did I reach my goal, I also discovered I enjoy making videos. Without the support through Kickstarter, I would’ve missed participating in Artprize, an awesome experience! Artprize is a huge annual art competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
– The Video Jessica created for her Kickstarter campaign:
What have you done to overcome your doubts?
I have to fight my doubts almost every time I create a piece. Sometimes I create while afraid. It also helps me to talk to someone to process my thoughts. Then the doubts don’t grow inside my mind and paralyze me.
…And there’s always chocolate!
What are your plans for the future?
Right now I’m working with an artist who is critiquing me and encouraging me. He’d like me to be his apprentice when I’m ready.
Where can readers find you and the work you create?
www.jessicapetersonart.com – I have a lot of art on my Flickr photo stream and I post frequently to my Facebook Page
Please join me in congratulating Jessica Peterson in the comments.
Congratulations, Jessica!
