Creative Mom Interview: Arian Armstrong

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’ll be posting interviews with creative moms ALL WEEK LONG! I’m pleased to introduce a wonderful artist and mother as my first interviewee for the Creative Mom series, Arian Armstrong. Her work is absolutely beautiful and inspiring, so enjoy!

1. First, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m an artist/illustrator living the freelance life near Cincinnati with my designer/animator husband and 2 little boys. My degree is in theatrical set design and I worked in theatre for a few years. Then it hit me late one night as I stood high on a ladder with my 5-months-pregnant belly and my two-year-old was slaving away with a paint roller finishing the set of The Wizard of Oz that I needed a more mommy-friendly career change. So I opened my Etsy shop and started creating and selling my art.

Rain Drops print // Balloon Man print

2. What keeps you inspired and motivated to create while still being a mom?
Sanity! I’d go INSANE if I couldn’t create! Giving up art was just not an option for me.

3. I love your post about experiencing freedom from fear. How has fear affected your career and art pursuits in the past? How did you overcome?
Fear is silly. I used to edit my art and my blogging way too much. I’d start to draw or write something that was on my heart and then stop because I was afraid that it wouldn’t be marketable enough. I’d limit my art or my words to only the things that would have mass appeal. And I was desperate for affirmation–checking blog stats or Etsy hearts multiple times a day.

I believe freedom from fear comes from a relationship with God. And He’s been fighting for my freedom like crazy, encouraging me to be the right-brained artist mom He created me to be. THAT’S how I’ve overcome a lot of fear. I’m less desperate for affirmation from other people so I’m less afraid to be daring, open, and Arian-like : )

Be Loved Print // Love Wins Print

4. In Confessions of a Right Brained Artist/Mom, you give us a glimpse into some things that may not be perfect, but you are ok with. How does this freedom affect your art and motherhood?
Oh my goodness, I’m a muuuch better mom and artist when I’m operating out of freedom instead of fear. Art-wise, I create what’s on my heart and then throw it out there without worrying about people’s reactions. It’s amazing, though, how WELL people respond to openness and vulnerability.

And with my kids, I just do my best on a day to day basis and reject worried thoughts when they come to mind. I have grace for myself and know that, on some days, “my best” looks pretty great, and on other days, “my best” looks like barely scraping by. And that’s totally fine!

5. Is there anything in particular that fuels your creativity as an artist?
I’m fueled by the city and other people’s creativity and expression. If I’m stuck in a creative rut, I’ll grab the kids, my camera, a bag full of paper and art supplies, and the stroller and head out. We get drinks at one of our favorite coffee shops then browse through the cute kids’ bookstore, the indie designer shop, the mom-and-pop art store, Urban Outfitters, or Anthropologie. When we come home, the boys are ready for naps and I’m ready to create!

This Old House

6. What are your mother’s day wishes?
Hmmm. Is it bad to want to be alone and quiet on Mothers’ Day?! haha : ) My Mother’s Day wish is for even more joy and less worry in regards to art and motherhood. I’ve come a long way but I know I still have a ways to go. That, and an iced soy latte.