E111: Building an Art Career After 30 Years in Graphic Design with Kay Meadows

Send us your feedback What happens when the job you’ve built your life around ends, and the art you’ve been fitting into the gaps suddenly has room to take centre stage? In Episode 111 of Creative Juggle Joy, Delores Naskrent catches up with artist, illustrator and author Kay Meadows, whom she first met in 2022. After roughly 30 years working in graphic design, Kay’s remote job ended. The change was both unsettling and exciting, prompting her to think more intentionally about building a working life around her art. Kay shares how painting, children’s book illustration, writing, teaching and commissions are beginning to connect.  They also explore the value of creative community, the vulnerability of exhibiting your work, and why starting something new doesn’t mean starting from zero. In this conversation: How Kay’s design experience supports her painting, illustration and book production. What plein air painting has taught her about responding to a subject and making decisions. Why exhibitions and competitions have helped her connect with other artists. How teaching reveals what you already know and helps you understand your process. Making room for several creative interests while choosing which opportunities to accept. Developing The Pilgrimage, a painting series inspired by her trip to Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. If you’re wondering whether there’s still time to take your art seriously, or how your different interests could fit together, come and listen to Kay’s thoughtful, honest account of a creative career still taking shape. Resources mentioned Kay Meadows’s art, illustration and website: https://kaymeadows.com/ Kay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaymeadowsartandillustration/ Children’s books illustrated and written by Kay: https://kaymeadows.com/product-category/illustrated-books/childrens-books-illustrated-books The Pilgrimage painting series - yet to be published Ghost Ranch, New Mexico Georgia O’Keeffe: Mentioned in connection with Kay’s Ghost Ranch visit.  Support the show  Don't miss an episode—subscribe to The Creative JuggleJoy Podcast! Follow us on social media and join our email lists for more tips, stories, and updates on new episodes. Kaylie Edwards - Instagram  - Website - Facebook - Threads Spellweaver Creative Hub Membership Free Email List Builder Checklist For Creatives Delores Naskrent - Website & Digital Art School - Instagram - Facebook - Pinterest - Youtube Procreate Foundations Course Affinity Foundations Course