Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Craley
Thomas, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been a creative person, drawings, painting, singing and theatre to name a few. During the pandemic in 2020 I started my fluid art journey. It began as something to do to kill time, as well as help with keeping my mind distracted. I started posting my art on social media, and instantly started getting positive feedback. People started buying my art, asking for commissions and spreading the word quickly. In 2022 I quit my job as an auditor to become a full time artist. I started taking my art to craft and vendor shows all around the city in 2022/23. At the end of 2023, I decided that I need to make a change to what I was doing if I wanted to remain a working artist, I started teaching pour painting classes. In 2024 I also decided that arts and craft shows were not the place for me to try and sell art. I began only showing my works at Fine Art Fairs between Columbus, OH to Ann Arbor, MI, while continuing to teach my classes. Today We are in our 3rd year of business, we teach roughly 30-50 students monthly at various locations around town, and opening our own studio and gallery, Wick-ed Palette Studio, here in February of 2025.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! There are so many working parts as an artist and business owner. Sometimes you don’t know where to start. My career is being an Artist. But I have to be the bookkeeper, marketing, social media presence, content creator and so many more hats… I would love to just create. The best thing I have found though, are local groups, communities or other small business who are more than willing to help or get you moving in the right direction.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a mixed media artist, specializing in acrylic pour painting. My art is know for its bright colors, obscure designs and a continuous movement within a piece. Most people say that they can spot my art anywhere. I am most proud of the momentum I have had in the short time I have been doing this. Not many folks get to say that they make a living doing what they love to do.
What sets me apart from others, is that my art form gives you the freedom of expression without the confines of a paintbrush or technique. I use random household items while painting, allowing your creativity to flow.
What does success mean to you?
Most people measure success by fame and fortune. However, my success relies on the success of others. I am an instructor, If I can help you release your inner artist and make you feel good while doing so, that’s all the success I need. When you walk into a room full of traditional artist, and everyone knows who you are, what you do, and have even taken some of your classes, I count that as a success. Everyone’s interpretation of success is different, but so am I.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tcacrylics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tc_acrylics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCAcrylics
