
Finding Artist Community: Why I Traveled to Texas to Meet Internet Strangers at the Rooted Conference for Women
|
|
Time to read 5 min
|
|
Time to read 5 min
Working for yourself doesn't mean you have to work alone! My experience at Rooted was a lesson in the power of connection.
I've been working for myself for a little while now. I love it, and I feel so lucky that THIS is my job. I was actually just telling my husband that, for the first time in my life, I feel more fully integrated as a person because I get to prioritize creating art. It's incredibly fulfilling.
At the same time, it can be really lonely. While I do get to collaborate on certain projects (and I love painting on-site!), I spend a lot of time by myself. Working for yourself has a lot going for it, including flexibility and being the boss; but I sometimes feel daunted by my hugely expanding task list. It's hard to know if I've priced things correctly, or if my lockup looks good, or what tools to use for specific projects.
I have complained about how social media often feels like shouting into the void (hello! Anyone out there?), there is a truly special community that I've found online.
When I found out that I could meet some of my internet friends and colleagues in person, I jumped at the opportunity! I flew to Texas to attend the first annual Rooted Conference, and got to meet so many incredible, smart, talented, successful women. My people!
Social media is important for marketing, but more than that, it's brought me into community with other artists. I've met so many kind, generous people who share their talent and wisdom. I've gotten pretty good at reaching out to ask questions and have developed some real friendships, all with strangers online.
And I finally got to meet some of them in real life! While talking online has been immensely beneficial, there's just something different about being together in a room. So much creative energy, so much honesty and transparency, and real connection.
Funny story, on the first morning of the conference, I saw my roomie pull out a pair of overalls from her suitcase. "Where are those from?" I asked her. Well, it turns out that not only did we have the same exact overalls, we also had almost the same shoes. Twinsies! It was one of those moments that just really highlighted "I'm an artist and you're an artist!" for me.
One other really fun part of building friendships was a sticker swap. Nothing like being in a room full of artists with their own merch. I brought a ton of stickers, and so many other people did, too. It was a great way to cross the internet - real life barrier, start conversations, and share some art.
The fact that this conference was for women was important to me, particularly because it feels difficult to be a woman in business. There were a wide range of ages and life stages present.
Being in a room full of creative entrepreneurs was so incredibly helpful, especially because they all understood the difficulties that face women in creative industries. There was so much transparency, including talking directly about earning and pricing, business strategy, and work life balance.
Connecting with other moms was refreshing. It was comforting. It was inspiring! I left feeling motivated and excited, with so many role models who are raising families and doing the work (and making a killing, too!).
Nothing like being surrounded by other artists to encourage some creativity! The conference felt like a mix between serious business stuff and summer camp for artists. And it turns out that I really needed some creative time that was just fun! Not for work, not to have product to sell, but just connecting with other women and making something. On the first night of the conference, we were gifted enormous Hydrojugs (I promise I'll drink more water!) and we got to engrave them. We participated in painting a large canvas that will be donated to charity. I also got to paint the back of a cool new workwear jean jacket.
Getting to be creative for my job is everything I've ever wanted, but it does mean there's less time to explore personal art making. Having a space to make and craft and create, just for fun, is something all artists should have access to!
The majority of the day at the Rooted Conference was spent in sessions, featuring two incredible keynote speakers, panel discussions, and product demonstrations. I can truly say that every session was packed with valuable insights into mural business, from a talk on avoiding creative burnout to legal information. I left feeling inspired, yes, but more importantly I gained some insight into business development. I have real action items that I'm currently implementing!
Sessions included:
I really enjoyed hearing from Lauren Hom, whose work I have admired for years! Her talk was uplifting, honest, and deeply relatable. Lauren talked a lot about the balance between our CEO brains and our creative hearts, and how to balance these two essential aspects of running a creative business. I really appreciate her take on following your creative gut and seeing where it takes you.
I also 100% fan girled, sorrynotsorry.
"You are the creative director of your own life. You give the brief and you do the work."
I absolutely loved the session with Zibra, a paintbrush company run by two sisters. I've been using their brushes for a while, and now I understand why I like them so much! It was a fascinating look into their engineering process. They rigorously test their products in order to create long lasting brushes that hold a lot of paint and can pull long, smooth lines. Zibra provided a ton of SWAG, including a custom branded pink brush! I honestly cried a little bit, when we received the brushes. I felt so seen!
Some of the Rooted Conference sponsors provided product, which was so appreciated. I adore my new HydroJug! Also a big thanks to Cosa Wove Workwear for the amazing jean jacket. I didn't snag one, but I have been eyeballing this super cool lace safety vest!
I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about the Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament. Rooted arranged for some incredible giveaways, including paint sprayers, books, those lace safety vests I mentioned - AND a brand new short throw projector.
I absolutely love this photo, from the moment I realized I won the tournament! I'm so thankful to Rooted Conference for this incredible prize, and I can't wait to try it out at my next job site.
After a few very business days in Texas, I'm back home and refreshed. I feel inspired, connected, and excited! If you're looking for a conference to attend next year, I highly recommend the Rooted Conference.
More importantly, we all need connection. It's the friendships and mentorships that add so much to our creative and professional lives. Find yourself a group that gets you, where you can be honest and transparent.
Related Reading