In this conversation, Ashley Cassens shares her journey as an artist, detailing her transition from a teaching career to becoming a full-time painter. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and creativity, the impact of her 31 Day Challenge, and the lessons learned from navigating the art world. Ashley emphasizes the importance of finding one's creative path and the various avenues available for artists today.

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www.ashleycassens.com/subscribe

My FREE mural mock-up course:

https://ashleycassens.podia.com/mural-mock-ups-made-easy-a-simple-guide-for-non-techy-artists-no-procreate-needed

Portrait painting course:

https://ashleycassens.podia.com/view/courses/let-s-get-real-how-to-paint-realistic-portraits-with-oils-on-fabric

Social:

Instagram

Facebook

• Ashley Cassens is a full-time painter who transitioned from teaching.
• She completed a 31 Day Challenge to improve her artistic skills.
• Balancing motherhood and art is a significant theme in her journey.
• Ashley emphasizes the importance of community and support among artists.
• She learned valuable business skills through podcasts and coaching.
• The idea of success for Ashley includes being present with her family.
• She created a series called the Eye Trap series during her artistic journey.
• Ashley believes in the importance of scheduling creative time.
• She was not taught essential business skills in art school.
• Her journey highlights the diverse paths available for artists today.

• From Teacher to Full-Time Artist: Ashley's Journey
• The 31 Day Challenge: A Path to Artistic Growth

• "I wanted to stay with my husband."
• "I had a three-year plan to leave teaching."
• "I guess I have a lot to share."

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 The Artistic Journey Begins

07:25 Navigating Art Education and Career Paths

09:56 The Reality of Balancing Art and Life

12:49 Finding Success as a Creative Parent

15:25 The Importance of Community and Learning

18:29 Creating Time for Art

21:05 Transitioning from Teaching to Full-Time Artist

Summary

In this conversation, Ashley discusses her journey of facing fears and embracing change in her career. She reflects on the misconceptions surrounding job security and the importance of preparation in making significant life decisions.

You can join my newsletter here:

⁠www.ashleycassens.com/subscribe ⁠

My FREE mural mock-up course:

⁠https://ashleycassens.podia.com/mural-mock-ups-made-easy-a-simple-guide-for-non-techy-artists-no-procreate-needed⁠

Portrait painting course:

⁠https://ashleycassens.podia.com/view/courses/let-s-get-real-how-to-paint-realistic-portraits-with-oils-on-fabric⁠

Resources I love for Artists:

⁠Honeybook⁠

⁠Wave Accounting ⁠

My actual contract

Social:

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Facebook

Takeaways

• I didn't quit because I didn't have fears around quitting.
• I felt ready enough for the next steps in my career.
• The fallacy of a salaried job is that it feels secure.
• I could have been let go from a salaried job at any time.
• Preparation is key to facing career transitions.
• Understanding the reality of job security is crucial.
• Embracing change requires confronting personal fears.
• The next three months felt manageable, even without a clear plan.
• Job security is often an illusion we create for ourselves.
• Being ready for change is more about mindset than circumstances.

• Embracing Change: A Journey of Self-Discovery
• The Reality of Job Security: Myths and Truths

• "I didn't quit because I didn't have fears."
• "I felt ready enough."
• "It felt like it was security."

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:27 The Reality of Quitting a Day Job

05:00 Planning for Transition

07:23 Building a Portfolio and Gaining Confidence

09:44 First Mural Experience

12:32 The Snowball Effect of Success

14:55 Balancing Family and Career

17:17 The Emotional Toll of Leaving Teaching

19:45 Resources for Transitioning Artists

22:34 Mindset and Mantras for Success

24:58 Conclusion and Future Insights