Carla Grace - There Is No One Rule for How to Make an Art Practice Financially Viable for Artists (Wildlife Artist)

Instagram - @carla_grace_art

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

My name is Carla Grace, I am a wildlife artist that works realistically in acrylic paint. I was born in South Africa, but am now living in South Australia with my husband, daughter and one on the way. I work full time as an artist, and started off working after-hours as I worked as a legal secretary about 6 years ago. I transitioned slowly as more work came in until finally at the start of 2019 I could sustain a full time artist practice.


2. When did you decide you wanted to be an painter/illustrator?

I was studying art at university, but dropped out after realising that there were two types of artworlds; the academic art world, and then the commercial art world. I didn’t fit into the academic artist model, but could see myself creating a business out of what I could do. 

I had already been doing commissions for pay since I was the age of 17, so decided to drop out of art school at 22 and move to Australia to pursue it as a career.


3. Is it a financially stable career?

I would say that as a general rule, it is not a financially stable career. It very much comes down to the business savvy of the artist and the overall aesthetic of the art they create. There is no one rule for how to make an art practice financially viable for artists unfortunately, but there are ways to make it a great career.


4. Who is your favourite illustrator and why?

I love CJ Hendry, not so much because of her work, but because of her business mind and the structure of everything she does around her work.


5. Where do you get inspired from to create art?

My childhood in Africa is my main inspiration as I was able to be around wildlife in a very unique way.


6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring illustrators?

Being an artist full time is not only the hardest job I’ve ever had, its the best job I’ve ever had. It is not a romantic, carefree career, in fact it may break your heart. But if you are prepared to give it 100000%, show up every day and create despite how you may be feeling, it is worth the effort.

- Interviewed by - Anushka Gagwari