Today we’d like to introduce you to Corwin and Anna Blackwell.
Hi Corwin and Anna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our story started after we both graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with B.F.A.s in Production Design and Illustration. After obtaining our degrees, we moved to Orlando, FL, in October 2020, launching our optimistic art future. Shortly after settling in, we were hired by Mills & 50 and Aldan Electric Supply Inc. to create a 60-foot mural stretching across Orlando’s Urban Trail. From there, we quickly progressed as artists, creating numerous murals, graphic design pieces, illustrative works, and merchandise for various businesses, individuals, and our own company.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As with most independent artists, we faced, and still face, many challenges along the way to get where we are today. While there are too many to name, some of our most challenging experiences include the following:
– City limitations on creating murals in public places
– The process and logistics of how to physically paint a mural on a wall, especially if those walls are oddly shaped
– The slow acceptance of public art as a beautiful, city-enriching display rather than a nuisance
As you know, we’re big fans of Blackwell Art LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
In July 2022, we officially formed Blackwell Art in Orlando, FL, specializing in offering various artistic services for multiple businesses and individuals. We pride ourselves on, and are most known for, our murals, graphic design pieces, and illustrative work. Additionally, we happily sell a diverse range of merchandise at markets and online, consisting of, but not limited to, jewelry, stickers, upcycled art, and original art. We can set ourselves apart from other creators through these numerous artistic offerings for businesses, individuals, and our own company. Also, unlike many businesses, our company is operated by a married couple from different backgrounds—both in education and nationality.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
We believe risk-taking is beneficial, especially when it comes to pursuing dreams. For us, it was a risk to quit our jobs, sell our home in Savannah, GA, move down to Orlando, FL, and embark as full-time muralists and artists without another job on which we could fall. We know firsthand how hard it is to think of an optimistic, desired future when you’re in the storm, especially when there are bills to pay. With risk-taking, we’ve found the most important thing to do is progress each day, whether through small or large feats, and continue to pursue passions. Furthermore, while we believe risk-taking is beneficial, keeping what level of risk you can afford in mind is crucial. Since moving down, we’ve had to work full and part-time jobs to keep our dream moving. While working for others isn’t always exciting, keeping oneself afloat can relieve a stressful, anxious journey. Over the years, we’ve learned there aren’t time limits on our dreams and moving comfortably forward is key.
Contact Info:
- Email: blackwellartllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwell_art_llc
Image Credits
Annaliese Sanford-Blackwell
