Meet Julie Preston | Artist

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

Hi Julie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After teaching art for many years and creating art just for myself, I decided to try and sell my art. Being an independent artist and teaching art simultaneously revolves around my desire to balance personal artistic endeavors with the opportunity to inspire, educate, and contribute to the art community. For me it offers a path to financial stability, personal growth, networking opportunities, and the chance to make a positive impact on aspiring artists, all while continuing to develop my own artistic practice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For the past 16 years, I have had the incredible privilege of being an art teacher to young students, nurturing their creativity and witnessing their artistic growth. It has been a fulfilling journey, but recently, I decided it was time to embark on my own artistic path and share my own artwork with others. Taking this leap has required a great deal of bravery, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself for putting my art out there for everyone to see in the various shows where I have displayed and sold my artwork. After dedicating so much time to teaching, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for this new chapter in my life. However, I also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Balancing my responsibilities as a part-time artist and a full-time teacher demands careful time management and energy allocation. Additionally, navigating the art business on my own can be daunting. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that it is never too late to pursue something you love, and I am determined to overcome these challenges and make my mark in the art world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our day will include relaxing at home, cooking meals, and enjoying the comfort of our front and back porch. We’ll also take advantage of our proximity to the historic downtown Mckinney, walking to local shops and restaurants, and end the day with a a possible movie night or playing games.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a debt of gratitude to my family, friends, my little art students, and the artists in my community. Their unwavering love, support, and encouragement have been the driving force behind my pursuit of a career in art. My family’s belief in my talent and their constant encouragement have given me the confidence to follow my artistic aspirations. The uplifting spirit and genuine enthusiasm of my friends have been a constant source of motivation. The passion and creativity of my little art students ignite my own artistic spark and reminded me of the joy in sharing art. The guidance and camaraderie of the artists in my community have inspired me to continuously push my boundaries and grow as an artist. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased one of my paintings or attended my art shows, as your support not only means the world to me but also enables me to continue creating and sharing more art with the world.

Website: https://www.juliecpreston.com/

Instagram: @juliecpreston_

Other: https://www.saatchiart.com/juliepreston