Daily Inspiration: Meet Carol MacConnell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol MacConnell.

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?
My path to becoming a full-time artist took a few turns, but every step led me here. After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Miami University with a focus on graphic art and painting, I spent about 20 years working in industry as a graphic artist, advertising manager, and in sales. I stayed connected to my creative side through my work, but I missed making my own art.
So I made a change. I started a job share in sales, working three days a week and spending the other two in my studio. After two years of splitting my time, I took the leap and became a full-time artist. For the last 25 years, I’ve worked out of my beautiful 1,300 square foot studio in a building complex of 200 artists. I’m here five days a week from 8 to 5, plus Saturday mornings — and Monday is my favorite day of the week, because it means I get to come back to my studio.
My work has grown over the years, from realistic landscapes to figurative pieces, and for the last five years, contemporary abstracts, figuratives, and florals. Every day in the studio is a chance to keep growing and keep doing what I love most.

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?
Has it been a smooth road? Not always — but every challenge has been an opportunity to grow.
As a full-time professional artist, you quickly learn that you are a one-person show. Or at least I was. I painted every day, but I also built and updated my website, photographed my artwork, posted on social media, wrote a monthly newsletter, and wrapped and delivered paintings. There is a lot more to being an artist than just making art.
The mental side has its own challenges, too. Imposter syndrome creeps in. It is easy to scroll through social media and start comparing yourself to other artists. Being in the studio every day can also feel isolating. And some days, staring at a blank canvas is the hardest part of the job — though honestly, the beginning of a new painting might be my favorite part of the whole process.
Through it all, I have learned that the struggles are part of the story. Every challenge has shaped the artist I am today,.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a large-scale mixed media contemporary artist, and I specialize in creating the perfect painting for my clients’ homes and design projects. Whether someone is purchasing a piece from the gallery in my studio or commissioning an original work, my goal is to deliver art that feels like it was made just for them.
A big part of my work is partnering with interior designers. I love this side of my business and have built strong relationships by going above and beyond to make every commission a wonderful experience for the designer and their client. From the first conversation to the final delivery, I treat every project as a true collaboration.
Beyond my own painting practice, I also mentor other artists. I love answering their questions about art and the business side of being an artist, and I recently created a digital course for artists who want to learn how to work with interior designers the way I do. Sharing what I have learned over the years has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
What sets me apart is the combination of all of it — the quality of my work, the experience I create for my clients, and my commitment to lifting up other artists along the way. I am proud of the career I have built, and I am even more excited about where it is going next.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am a big believer in working with mentors and coaches to grow your art business. Almost every professional athlete has a coach to push them and help them reach their full potential — and I think artists should be no exception. A good mentor can save you years of trial and error and help you see opportunities you might have missed on your own.
I also continue to grow as an artist by taking in-person workshops and online courses. Learning never stops, and pushing yourself to try new techniques and explore new ideas is what keeps your work fresh and your career moving forward.
When it comes to networking, there are so many ways to connect with other artists today. Facebook groups are a great place to start — there are active communities for almost every kind of artist, and they are full of people who are happy to share advice, support, and encouragement. The art world can feel isolating at times, but it does not have to be. The connections you make with other artists will support you for years to come.

Pricing:

• I created an artist pricing calculator and a pricing guide for artists
• I’d be happy to send both to your readers if they contact me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carolmacconnell.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolpaints_?igsh=a2dyMjh1emkxdnVm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolmacconnell/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carolmacconnell