Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Shorrock.
Hi Lily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In High school, I was always an artist and followed a lot of artist accounts on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. In high school and middle school living in California, I was in a very small town and was able to do commissions for friends and family. However, I have always wanted to sell my own art in an online store.
Being a full-time student at Full Sail University, it is not easy to find a job and get your degree. Full Sail University prepares its students for real-world schedules according to its program. For, as an animation student I work almost 60+ hours weekly on just school alone, this does not include a personal projects I want to pursue.
During the pandemic, it was a hard decision to decide to move across the country without any family at the age of 19. My family works/worked tirelessly to get me where I am today. So, when I moved to Winter Park, I decided to move onto the extended program at school and work part-time at Starbucks, but I was not happy. So, my family and I decided I should try to work on selling my own work.
In times of stress, heartbreak, depression, or anxiety, I have always turned to create art. It makes me the happiest when I know I can create things to express my feelings or about personal matters. As a queer artist, it is important to me that people who see me feel loved and know they are not alone.
In order to get me through school and give back to my parents I have spent countless sleepless hours working and promoting my art. Today, I have been able to make my first large oil painting and make commissions.
I have prints and personal works available on my Etsy account or eBay account.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not at all. I think I am still in the rut of my business. Sadly, I have not been able to sell as much of my works as I wish I could have. I am beginning you figure things out more and more. The most successful small businesses are also influencers. I wish that I felt like my voice is important enough to share with an audience, but I don’t believe I can. I am a 20-year-old white girl who has the incredible opportunity to go to art school and am fortunate enough to have my parents behind me and my partner. My biggest struggle is finding things to say that I can share with a similar group of people.
I also suffer from incredibly debilitating anxiety that has stopped me from reaching my goals so many times, but working on myself, going to the gym, drawing, and painting have saved me so many times. Mental health has continued to rule my life, but my family and my partner and his family have given me the courage to stand up to the bullies in my head.
Another thing I have learned is the importance of keeping a calendar and understanding the limitations. I can create a beautiful painting or an amazing animation, however, that does not mean people on the internet would know. My simplest social media posts have been my most popular.
Having a voice, and all being likable make you a success in any industry. But it does not gather overnight and takes a long time to start making true Sales. And so much money… More than I would like.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Oil painting, Ink, and charcoal drawing. I am currently earning my degree in Computer Animation and all of the basic fundamentals of drawing help incredible. I have been dabbling in digital art using the Procreate app.
What makes me most proud is one of my current oil paintings, “Octopus Garden”. It is an original oil painting of a beautifully photographed Octopus. It is full of vibrant colors and contrast. I added a painting style of Vincent Van Gogh and the Picasso line art. I used skills I have learned in basic acrylic fundamentals to create my best piece of art to date.
Another one of my favorite arts devices is a new comic series. The comic series features me handling my intrusive thoughts, anxieties, and doubts surrounding school, family, and love. An amazing doctor once told me that having anxiety is like having a war between two characters in your mind, the Rational vs. the Irrational. The irrational is loud, mean, and the worst middle school bully imaginable. I am shown experiencing anxiety symptoms while being comforted by my “rational Raptor” friend, Norbert. Norbert is my modern Mary Poppins. He helps me cut the shit and come back down to reality. I love dinosaurs, and it only seemed fitting to have the rational side of my brain be a Jurassic novelty.
I think one thing that sets me apart from others is that pieces always mean more than what they seem. I am also a completely self-made artist. I have taught myself how to paint, draw, figure, and everything in between when it comes to traditional art.
How do you define success?
I define success as fulfillment in your mind, body, and soul. To me, if you can love yourself and truly take the steps to understand who you are and where you want to be is vital. If a person takes the time to understand and nurture their being, no one can ever take that away from them. Learning how to say no, and knowing limitations along with allowing yourself to feel life to the fullest is an absolute success. My family taught me that if I love myself and love others there is no better feeling than truly knowing what you mean not for this world but for yourself. My family taught me that laying on a sandy beach in the beating sun next to a beautiful ocean is the same as rolling in a million dollars. Success means learning to take care of yourself, which is synonymous with taking care of others. If you watch for yourself: take your medicine, move your body, feel your emotions, eat good, and nap well. You have given yourself the ability to take care of those around you.
Pricing:
- Octopus Garden is $3500
- Starry Night Jacket is $275
- Prints are $20
- Commissions are 40% down payment upfront. Based on labor hours, materials, and shipping
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lilbitoartshop.com/?from_dashboard=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fyour%2Fshops%2Fme%2Fpattern%2Feditor
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilbitoart/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilbitoart
Image Credits
Central Coast Photographer
Vanessa Plakias Photography
