Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Mann.
Hi julia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve drawn ever since I was a little girl. I taught myself how to draw by copying my favorite comic strips and animated characters. I went to college with a desire to become a veterinarian, but switched to art half way through, after taking an art class for fun. I graduated with a BA in studio art at Virginia Tech, got married, and moved to Texas. Over the next 10 years, I was a freelance artist designing stationery, painting murals and doing illustration work for clients.
in 2015, after moving to Austin, and being burned out, I decided to start drawing for myself again. I picked up my colored pencils, and started drawing every day. The joy of creating came back and I focused on getting better. I’d spend hours every night after I put my boys to bed, drawing things from my favorite movies and shows. Then in 2018, I listened to a podcast about why artists should do festivals and comic cons and it changed my life. I signed up for my first comic con in 2019 and immediately knew this was where I needed be. I have been selling my art at festivals, markets and comic cons for the past 6 years and it’s been amazing. I love getting to make people smile and encouraging others to not give up on their dreams.
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?
Definitely not. I wanted to give up on art all together in 2014, after being burned out and trying to get into the children’s book market. Doing festivals and events full time can also be very stressful, as there’s never a guarantee the show will be successful. But it has all been worth it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I use colored pencil on toned tan paper to create my art. I love drawing scenes and sweet moments from my favorite movies, shows or books. In the last few years, I’ve focused on capturing emotional and sweet moments between couples or characters. Some of my favorite work has been illustrating pieces inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia and other favorite books I’ve read.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I would say my faith has gotten me through everything in my life and business. When times have been tough, I’ve always been taken are of each month, and I’m so grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artofjuliamann.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliamannartreal
