Conversations with Ellyn Broderick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellyn Broderick.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember–drawing, coloring, singing, dancing, acting, but growing up I was more focused on performing arts versus fine arts. When drawing or coloring as a kid I would spend so long just staring at a blank piece of paper, hesitating to start for fear of making a mistake. It wasn’t until after graduating with my degree in Acting from Northern Kentucky University when I was in between jobs that I picked up a pad of watercolor paper on a whim (it was on clearance!). I borrowed my mom’s old watercolor set and decided to let myself just enjoy the process instead of worrying about the outcome and I haven’t stopped making art since. I’m a self taught illustrator and artist, and I’ve really enjoyed leaning into the imperfection of learning as I go. I started sharing my art on Instagram for fun and to my own surprise people wanted to buy it! During the pandemic I started doing art sales in my stories on Instagram, then moved to Etsy and when the world opened back up I eventually started my own website and doing in person art markets.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been full of bumps and twists! I have a full time job and I also still perform regularly, so splitting my time between working full time, illustrating and performing isn’t easy and it’s not always ideal. Almost every year I’ve considered closing up shop because working a full time job and trying to make my art dreams come true is hard. I’ve been spread thin and my plate has been full, because I know that if I compromise the things I love just to make a living, then I won’t really be living the life I want anyways. Despite how difficult it is logistically and energetically, it’s rewarding and I’m glad I have so many supportive people cheering me on, that is really why I’ve been able to keep going.

I’m also a recovering perfectionist and I’ve worked hard to make sure art is one area where I’m able to give myself permission to make mistakes and lean into the fact that I don’t know everything, to just let the joy and process of creating be the goal. And on the other hand, the imposter syndrome and comparison are still so present and so hard! Being self taught does give me freedom to break the rules, but it also means that I’m figuring out a lot as I go and sometimes figuring out things the hard way. Getting hung up on “is this art good?” is tricky–and the thing I try to remind myself is that it’s not my job to decide if it’s good, my job is just to create and people can decide if they like it or not. If I like what I’m doing and enjoying myself, that’s the whole point! The cherry on top is when my work resonates with others.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a fan of nearly all artforms–performing, illustration, clay art, painting, printmaking–if it’s art I’m willing to try it! My small art business focuses on illustrated items such as stationery, stickers, apparel, fine art prints, and more recently polymer clay art. My work is known for being colorful, whimsical and joyful–food with faces, snails with sunglasses, worms wearing hats–if it’s sweet and a little silly, that is my vibe. I’m most proud of not giving up. There have been so many times where I’ve considered giving up my art business altogether, but those who support my work in person and online really remind me that art matters and my art matters. I’m always blown away at how something that I created can speak to someone or brighten their day. It’s such an honor to make art that people want to have in their space and lives! What sets me apart I think is my vulnerability, my willingness to share all the hard parts in tandem with the fun parts of being an artist and person. I make a lot of art that is real but silly and that is what resonates with people–there are so many times where people see my sassy/punny stickers at art markets and they’ll just say “this is me!” and that is the best feeling, knowing that people feel seen through my work.

What matters most to you?
Leaving people and the planet better than I found them is ultimately what matters most to me. That and having fun! There is no better feeling than knowing my art made someone feel validated in some way, or that they bought one of card to share with someone going through a tough time to brighten their day, or when I’m performing and I’m able to help people escape the realities of everyday life for just a little bit. Making people laugh or smile through illustration and performing–it’s the whole reason I do anything that I do. It’s really hard to be a person, and it feels like the streams of bad news are never-ending, so if I can make even a little dent in the darkness, then I have done my job as a human. I think that’s what we’re all here for, to make things better for each other when we can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eltonbmakesart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eltonb_makesart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eltonbmakesart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@eltonb_makesart