JULY SIDE HUSTLE ARTIST

JENN SULLIVAN

🎶Summah Summah Summah TIME🎶 

Hey Maverick Fam! What a great way to kick off JULY with our SideHustle Artist for this month... Jenn Sullivan! 

This year we have been flooded with support from the entire community and I'm sure you've heard it before, but we APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU!  This is why we do what we do, and we hope that ya'll enjoy the content we're slangin! 😃

In the spirit of Summer, what better way to shine a ray of light on all of you than to show you this month's SideHustle Artist.☀️ Jenn AKA @ithinkwithink is from El Paso, TX currently working as a tattoo apprentice. 

Jenn is Talented (with a capital T) and it shows through her work. She does stickers, art prints, shirts, and beautiful paintings on wood. Jenn said she had no intention of selling her art originally, but because of the love and support of her dad, she was influenced to put it out there for all us to enjoy (lucky us!).

Some people think its cheesy to have parents as their biggest fan, but we say... hey! no better people than the ones that brought you into this world.💗

Please keep reading to get to know Jenn a little bit better! ⬇️

(Oh, and don't forget to take a chance and purchase a raffle ticket HERE!)

 

Was there a key moment  in life that inspired you to move forward and take your creative outlet or "side hustle" to the next level? 

Absolutely. When Covid first started, I started creating art more and more. I finished a painting one day and my dad asked what I would sell it for. He bought it on the spot and expressed to me how much I should pursue art. Unfortunately he passed not that much later. But to this day I am so inspired by that one conversation. It helps me keep moving forward in my art and seek growth everyday.  

Do you think it’s important for Artists to have multiple creative escapes?

I think it is so important for artists to explore everything. To not limit themselves to one thing. Art is so unique and open to the artist. I went in wanting to do one medium but found myself loving another. I also think no one can master art. I think there is always more to learn, you just have to be open to it.  

Do you have a creative outlet that you’d rather not turn into a side hustle? Something just for YOU that helps you unwind or relax?

I really do love embroidery. It is the one thing I usually do to relax but have never turned it into a profit craft. Sometimes it can be a scary thing to turn a hobby into a career so I think it’s important to know limits on what to profit off of and what parts to keep to yourself. This will help avoid burn out and keep you loving your hobby.

Do you have a bigger picture or a vision of where a side project of yours could take you?

I have always been interested in creating a mental health series, illustrating children’s books and gallery work. I think at this point in my career I am happy with learning the  art of tattooing. That was one of my goals and I’m extremely happy to be able to be a part of this industry. But I’m excited to see where my art can take me down the road. I am open to everything! 

Any Advice for Artists that are interested in building up a new side biz or taking their side hustle to a professional full time level?

If I could provide any advice in making it in the art industry is networking and networking doesn’t have to only be online. If your city has art events or street markets I highly encourage anyone to sign up for them! It is so special seeing people enjoy your art in person instead of just behind a screen. You will meet so many other artists as well and hopefully find a group of people that help you grow. I’m very fortunate for mine.

Do you have any artists that have been truly inspiring and or potentially mentored you in any way?

It is hard to pick a favorite as there are so many. But some of my peers have been the most inspiring individuals yet. RosiemoonCreations, BebeClays, and CayleeCakes are a few creators that have been with me from the start. And it’s so amazing to see people who constantly are told 

They will be a “starving artist” striving through and proving them wrong. I am also very thankful to my tattoo mentor Ana, (@anagram_tattoos), she does not only inspire me but gives me so much hope in making it as an artist in any direction and I’m very grateful to her. 

You have any random knowledge to drop on us that could potentially push us forward and pursue our alternative artistic  passions?

Just to encourage people to not give up. It does not come easy but it is so worth it. I think also again, repeating that you can have multiple passions. Say yes to everything, try everything. Never say no to a new artistic outlet out of fear of not being good at it at first. 

HOW DO WE FIND YOU?

I am on many social medias!

My website is ithinkwithink.com

My instagram is @i.think.with.ink

TikTok is @i.think.with.ink