We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Cassaday and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Being a successful artist often includes utilizing the 80/20 rule. Twenty percent of the time, we are creating, making new pieces that align with our inner artistic flow. But, the other eighty percent, we are marketing, travelling to shows, managing social media, doing all the things that are necessary for people to find and connect with our work in the first place.

I laugh when people view artists as introverts that live in a cabin in the woods somewhere, painting our little hearts away and disconnecting from the outside world. But in fact, a lot of times it’s the opposite.

It’s important for both the creative and entrepreneurial sides of our business that we stay in touch with our outside experiences. Not only does it allow us more exposure to find our audience, but pure inspiration comes from what we view in the world around us, it helps to fuel our creativity and inspire us.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a fantasy digital painter and illustrator, with a love for exploring a mix of beauty and darker themes. So anything with faeries or romantic themes I love to illustrate.

I’ve been an artist in some capacity my entire life, but I didn’t start to reap the rewards of my hard work until well after college. Originally, I wanted to break into the entertainment industry as a concept artist. Video games and movies were always a huge staple in my life, and at the time I wanted to be a part of that creative process.

However, when that route never happened, I turned to teaching, which I genuinely love, and also allowed me to explore the realm of independent artistry. It took a long time for me to learn that I wasn’t meant to be a concept artist, but this also freed me. I created what I wanted, when I wanted, and miraculously the rest followed. My audience grew, I made more sales, and I got to be a part of opportunities such as teaching at workshops and being invited to conventions.

In summary, based on my story, I always try to tell budding creatives to lean into not what society says you should be, but what is easy and genuinely fun for you. Authenticity it the secret sauce that draws in so much magic, and I will vouch until the day I die that it will always guide you to where you are meant to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so many great places in the DFW area! The Fort Worth Japanese Gardens, Bass Hall, the list goes on and on. I’m all for great food and ambience, so MASH’D on 7th Street in Fort Worth, and The Ranch in Irving are two of my favorite spots.

If you love a good play or theater, Broadway Dallas and the Winspear Opera House always have great shows that come through!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s two actually!

One, as cliché as it is, is of course my mom. She has always supported what I do, even if she didn’t fully understand my work. I’m eternally grateful for her being my cheerleader this years, whether it is buying me my first art supplies when I was young, to purchasing my work to support my business. Love you mama!

The second, I owe to Sallie, one of my former supervisors and mentors. Sallie not only has an appreciation for the arts, but helped shape me into the person I am in my professional career. She taught me that as long as I stay true to my course, and do the right thing, I will never have to question my true North. Her words definitely helped shape my confidence and form the self love that has allowed me to succeed.

Website: www.ashleycassaday.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleycassadayart

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ashley_cassaday

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