My Decision to Start My Business

Hi there! Welcome to my blog! I'm Sharon Cadja, an artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My preferred medium is acrylic, although I've been exploring oil paints more recently. I've had a deep passion for art for as long as I can remember, and last year I made the decision to pursue it as a business. In this blog, I'll be sharing my journey of starting a business as an artist, the events that led me to this point, and where I am now in my artistic journey.

Discovering the Artist Within

To me, art is more than just visuals; it's a medium of creative self-expression. Whether it's fashion, music, or even food, art allows people to express themselves in various ways. As a child, I loved drawing and copying what I saw. I was fascinated by the ability to recreate the realism of eyes or people using just a pencil or any other art material. I taught myself techniques by using photo references and tutorials on YouTube. My love for art also extended to photography, which became intertwined with my passion for capturing the world around me. I was captivated by the different perspectives and angles that could completely transform the way an object looked. Throughout high school and college, I continued to pursue art, including portrait photography for couples, sororities, and professional headshots.

From Art to my Marketing Degree & Back to Art

While in college, I studied marketing, which was a field that interested me and seemed to offer creative opportunities with job security. Although I valued the work involved in marketing, art was always my true passion. However, I often heard discouraging remarks about pursuing art as a career, with the prevailing notion that "many artists are starving." Despite these discouragements, I continued to nurture my love for art. However, as life became more complicated, my energy for creativity waned, and my mental health suffered. It wasn't until the COVID pandemic hit during my final years of college that I rediscovered my passion for art. Initially, I didn't consider art worth my time as I grappled with the idea of finding a job after graduation. But when I delved back into it, I remembered all the reasons why art had been my outlet in the first place.

Finding Energy and Direction

During that time, I was working in retail and managing two departments, but I began to feel increasingly dissatisfied and yearned for a change. Art became my emotional outlet, allowing me respite from the draining retail environment. I realized that I wanted more time to focus on my art and started to dread going to work, constantly wishing for more flexibility and a job that would allow me to pursue my artistic passions. Eventually, I made the decision to leave my job after nearly six years. I now work as a full-time photographer, and this change has had a significant positive impact on my mental health and energy levels. It has allowed me to dedicate more time than ever to my art, giving me the freedom to explore and take my art more seriously.

Developing My Artistic Style

Before working with acrylic paint, I primarily used Prismacolor pencils and graphite pencils for drawing. However, I decided to shift my focus to painting while still working my retail job. Acrylic paint was an accessible and affordable medium for me, and I began to recreate various subjects that caught my interest. I spent hours on Pinterest, finding crafts to replicate and adding my own creative touch. I started noticing a recurring theme in my art when I displayed my paintings together—they were predominantly gradients, such as sunsets, clouds, and space. It fascinated me how these subjects mirrored the photographs and visuals I had been drawn to since I was young. It was as if my inner child was healing through my art. During this time, I came across the mesmerizing oil paintings of the northern lights created by Rivka Wilkins. I became determined to learn how to paint them too, even though I had never personally witnessed the northern lights. While acrylic paint was my go-to medium, I realized that oil paint would give me the vibrant colors I desired. I recently made the switch to oil paints, investing in non-toxic materials and mediums that help with drying time. Although I'm still learning about oil paint, I have discovered its unique qualities, and it has become my preferred choice for creating more intricate and vibrant artwork.

Building a Brand

One aspect I underestimated initially was the importance of building a brand for my art. It turns out that the knowledge gained from my marketing classes in college became invaluable for this journey. I am now focused on developing my personal brand as an artist, honing my skills, and exploring themes that resonate with me. I aim to become a resource for fellow artists who relate to my story and aspire to make a living from their art. By sharing my successes, mistakes, growth, and the various aspects of my life, I hope to connect with a broader audience. My ultimate goal is to work full-time as an artist, but for now, I am pursuing art part-time until I feel financially secure to make the transition. As I embark on this journey, I am starting by creating artwork featuring Northern Lights, sunsets, and abstract compositions.

Thank you for joining me on this artistic adventure! I look forward to sharing more about my experiences, inspirations, and artistic growth with you.