Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleigh Ellison.
Hi, Caleigh; please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved art. My kindergarten teacher in elementary school called me “the craft queen, “and I have held to that nickname since then. I have always loved art, whether textiles, canvas, or drawing on skin. I love the expression that comes with artistry, the freedom to be yourself, and the creativity that comes with finding your style. I tell my story through my artwork, whether it’s known to the viewer or not; I know that I pour pieces of myself into each piece I create. It is such a freeing and therapeutic thing for me. I originally started online selling tattoo designs, pet portraits, & and painted denim & during the pandemic, I could do art as my full-time gig. I was working in retail management and had hand-painted a wide-brim fedora for myself, & it went quite crazy on TikTok. In October 2020, I was able to start doing art full-time through that blow-up on social media. I started painting hats for people locally, for markets, indie artists, celebrities, & elopements. Doing art full-time while people my age were still in college was such a cool thing. I never got a degree, and I initially felt strange, like I was behind or doing the wrong thing cause it wasn’t conventional. You constantly hear “artists are broke” or that art is just a hobby & it was liberating to have my passion become my job. I have since started tattooing locally, which has always been my dream—forever wearable artwork. I am so fulfilled and so joyful to do my passion always. Craft queen forever!
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Not! But whose is? When I started looking to do art full-time, friends, family, & coworkers in my retail job were not supportive in the ways I needed. My mom has always loved my art, which was so important to me cause I kept pushing for it! But you know, family and friends worry you won’t be able to do it full-time financially. And that’s sweet the care, but it was hard to feel like I needed to prove to people my art had a place, especially with coworkers at my management job. There was a lot of talk about how it wasn’t seen as a real career, so I shouldn’t be putting my time into it. I’m thankful I didn’t listen to that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do a mixture of boho, hippy-dippy, celestial, and bookish artwork throughout all my mediums. I love to paint and work with warm tones, flora, fauna, and whimsical vibes! And I also love to tattoo with that same vibe, mainly black and white! It’s been fantastic to be someone who creates wearable art, whether it’s a hand-painted hat from me or a tattoo. I love that I see my art on people out in the wild!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
My passion is worth pursuing, and art is as valuable as any other career.
Contact Info:
- Website: lbohochic.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/lbohochic
- Facebook: Facebook.com/lbohochic
- Other: TikTok.com/lbohochic
