I am an Artist.
I vividly recall the moment back in college, standing behind a giant easel with a brush in one hand and a paint palette in the other. It hit me like a bolt of inspiration—I wanted to be an artist. Sure, my painting skills weren’t top-tier, and I still remember my professor gently nudging me toward exploring other mediums like graphic design. But my passion for art had always been there, from my early days in elementary school right through college.
One pivotal moment in high school stands out: when a family friend took me to work for the afternoon and introduced me to the world of Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. That was my first taste of digital art, and it was an unforgettable moment in my childhood.
After graduating from UNH with a degree in business administration, I took a bold step. Instead of pursuing a job in my field of study, I went back to school to pursue a certificate in graphic design. Soon after, I launched my career in graphic arts, designing everything from logos and business cards, to murals and vehicle graphics and even websites. But even then, I hesitated to call myself an artist. After all, I wasn’t the stereotypical painter with a canvas and brushes—I was using a mouse and keyboard.
Fast forward a few years, as a new mom, I picked up a camera to document the precious moments of my growing family. At first, I told myself that I was “just a mom with a camera,” still unable to see myself as an artist. But as I honed my photography skills and began taking on paid photography sessions—I started to realize my joy for this medium as well.
It wasn’t until I joined the Elena S Blair Mastermind coaching program recently that everything changed. Through Elena’s guidance and encouragement, I finally embraced the title of artist. She helped me see that artistry isn’t confined to a specific medium—it’s about the passion, the creativity, and the heart you pour into your craft.
So here I am, proudly proclaiming: I AM AN ARTIST. Whether I’m designing on a computer or capturing moments through my lens, I am creating art. And that, my friends, is something truly extraordinary.
@lisasmith.photography
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