Today we’d like to introduce you to Carson Abernethy.
Carson, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first fell in love with art in Asheville, North Carolina where I grew up. Art was always my escape and the way I expressed myself. I remember I spent all my free time drawing in notebooks and used to give my little sister art lessons over the summers and on long road trips. In high school, I ran the arts section of my school newspaper where I fell in love with creative writing, design, and photography. While creativity has always come naturally to me, it was my mother who always encouraged me to really push myself and maximize my potential. It was and still is her belief in my creativity that encourages me to continue creating. I lost my mother to breast cancer right before my high school graduation which shattered my world. The only coping mechanism that brought me peace was to immerse myself in creative expression. I read a lot of books at that time and would highlight quotes that helped me with my grief. Every night I would stay up late and practice calligraphy by writing out those quotes. I also picked up a design job with a local shampoo company where I did their photography and graphic design.
I went to Boston University where I studied Advertising, Art History, and Business Management. I continued to do freelance work in Boston and added new clients, I am so fortunate to have gotten to work with so many amazing small women-owned businesses, especially Em John Jewelry. While I continued to draw and take creative classes, college expanded my ambitions and piqued my interest in the broader business world. Although creativity is my biggest passion, I found myself very unfulfilled when designing strictly for monetary gain. I found that the more time I spent designing for other people, the less time I spent designing for myself which is where I’ve always done my best work. Everyone expected me to become a full-time graphic designer but I knew I wanted to protect the joy and peace art brought me. I knew that the best way for me to continue to create was in freelance work. In college, you’re encouraged to pick a path and I always hated being confined to one path or box. I believe you get the most fulfillment when you create your own path which is what I did after graduation. I took a job at Oracle which is what led me to Austin, Texas where I still work today. Outside of this, I am a freelance calligrapher and designer. Sometimes I feel like I live a double life with corporate technology by day and design by night. However, I wouldn’t change a single thing about it. I feel so lucky to get to pursue the two things I love. Working in technology has also really inspired my work as I’m currently getting an online degree in UX design to expand my freelance work into the technology space.
While I am still somewhat new to Austin, I absolutely love the creative world here and the clients and businesses I’ve had the privilege to work with. Austin has so many creative and unique people who have really inspired my work. In the past few months, I’ve been most interested in calligraphy and have been doing a lot of freelance wedding calligraphy. Most recently, I’ve been writing wedding vows which have been very special. I am really looking forward to continuing to build my client base and skillset! My dream is to one day sell design and calligraphy prints in local Austin stores, especially on South Congress street!
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?
I think the struggle is inevitable for everyone at some point in life and while it can feel impossible in the moment, it is the most difficult moments that elicit the most beautiful transformations. My mother had breast cancer for nine years and I lost her 6 days before my high school graduation, it shattered my world. I’ve never felt more lost than I did the summer after her death and the only coping mechanism that brought me peace was to immerse myself in creative expression. Whether it is calligraphy, creative writing, or design – forcing myself to be present through art is what guides me through every struggle. I read a lot of books at that time and would highlight quotes that helped me with my grief. Every night I would stay up late and practice calligraphy by writing out those quotes.
When I think about it today, it is her belief in my creativity that drives me in all facets of my life. Her optimism, kindness, and joy inspire most of my work and I want her optimism to live on through my art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in calligraphy and illustration but also work in graphic design, photography, and collages. My favorite art to create is colorful illustrations of random things I love like Austin City Limits, Coca-Cola, Jacquemus purses, etc. Because my corporate job is often serious, I like to keep my art fun and lighthearted. Most importantly, I seek to elicit joy in my work and try and use bright colors and happy subject matters. I am most known for my freelance calligraphy but am most proud of the illustrations I mentioned that I do just for myself. One of the things I love about doing freelance art instead of full-time is that monetary gains do not influence what I create so I remain true to myself and my personal inspiration. I sell prints of my illustrations within my network but hope to one day sell them in local stores. I think what sets me apart is my calligraphy and colorful illustrations, I also try and incorporate words and humor into my illustrations at times.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always looking for new freelance work and clients so anyone can reach out to me @carsonabdesigns on Instagram or via email. I can do personalized illustrations and calligraphy, business branding and logos, photography, and sell prints at local stores!
Example use cases:
-Photoshoots / Headshots
-Custom calligraphy
-Customer illustration
-Logos
-Social Media designs
-You can purchase my prints!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: carsonabdesigns
