Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Smith.
Carrie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started coloring at the age of 8, and by the time I reached High School, I was painting and expressing myself through various mediums. My art teacher encouraged me to study Art in College, so I listened to her, and I was accepted into Ohio University. I studied Painting and Drawing, & I studied psychology. I earned my BFA degree in 2014, and I moved to Florida to begin my art business. I competed in various juried exhibitions, winning “Best of Show” in three different competitions. I sold my art to local art collectors whom I consider to be family. When someone purchases a piece from me, they’re really buying a piece of me. So, when my art collectors enjoy my art on their walls with their friends and family– it means the world to me. It’s truly a beautiful exchange…
I am proud that my paintings bring joy to my art collectors home. My paintings bring me joy when I start them, when I think about them, and as I paint them. Painting to me is a spiritual practice. It’s my sacred time to be alone with my thoughts, my emotions, my past, present, and future. Everything and anything flows out of me, and I use a paintbrush like it’s a magical wand. I scoop up my rich and vibrant oil paint, and I paint gorgeous paintings.
It is a gift to be an artist, and it’s a gift to be able to sell my art.
My motto is: BE AN ARTIST, BE YOUR OWN HERO–DO IT!!!
In 2021 my art was recognized by NIKE. Multiple paintings of mine were featured in NIKE’s Contemporary Art Journal, which was sent to all 76,000 employees of NIKE.
In 2021, the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball team hired me to create two Championship Rings. So, I had a ton of fun painting the 1992 & 1993 Champ Rings! I delivered the paintings with the help of my dad–my biggest supporter! These stunning rings are in Dunedin, FL. Go JAYS!!!
This year I am 31…& I have a lot of experience in the art business, how it works, etc. On the flip side, I have had countless people tell me, “I would never make it” or ” your artwork isn’t good enough.” I smiled at those individuals when they said those comments to me…& I used that as fuel–It fired me up!!! So, I use their negative comments to add to my motivation to WIN & succeed no matter what. I wrote out my goals, and I have achieved a lot of them so far…and now I have bigger goals and different dreams.
My motivation comes from within, and my desire is to continue to create, hustle hard and stay humble, donate to charities, and help other artists.
I am the daughter of Craig & Ginger Smith. My parents are strong, wise, humble and goal-oriented. So are my two brothers and my sister-in-law. My nephew is almost two, and he is dabbling in the arts & I am a proud owner of one of his paintings!!
As a family, we believe in having a positive mindset while working hard and giving back to the community.
I am proud of my success as an artist, and I celebrate my success with my entire family.
My art is my passion; however, my FAMILY is my GREATEST TREASURE.
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 has been a bumpy roller coaster ride…Some parts have been smooth riding, and other times I felt like I was gonna fall out of the roller coaster! Good thing is I am strong, and I worked hard and stayed humble. I also love rollercoasters–so I just said to myself “Alright, buckle up –I am in it to win it… LET’S GOOOOO!”
When NIKE approached me, it was a blessing, and I remained humble. Due to the fact that I remember all of the long nights I spent painting at my easel, missing events, parties, etc. just so I could get my artwork done for myself and for my clients.
Earlier in my career, I think one of my biggest struggles I used to have was the fear of failure… So, I used the power of prayer, and I let my God fight my battles ahead of me. I put all of my faith into knowing that God gave me the talent of painting, and I believe in myself to continue to succeed and help others along the way.
Hustle, work smart, build connections, and have fun. Being an artist is the greatest gift! I feel honored and blessed that God gave me these abilities, so I can have fun painting and share my art with the world!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint oil portraits that are realistic and some are surrealistic. I also make paintings of animals. I love creating abstract art as well! So, I dabble in all styles…! I write poetry, and I design purses in my free time.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
The harder I pray, the luckier I get!!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Carrie.Smith.Art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carrie.Smith.Art
