Beyond excited to introduce you guys to Aubrey Fairchild - an illustrator, painter, creator and mother from American Fork, Utah. We've been working together over the past several months on some jaw-dropping, new wallpaper designs and we couldn't be happier with the results.
"From doodling in meetings to chasing her passion creating and painting", Aubrey is creating timeless work in the form of art and textiles.
Let's chat with Aubrey learn more about her journey as an artist, where she's at today, and view all the new designs, EEK.
Can you tell us about your journey into the world of art? How did it all begin for you?
"I was born an artsy fartsy child. My grandma said I was always a delight to have over because she could entertain me for hours with only paper and a roll of tape. I’ve always loved to make things. I have all of these ideas bubbling up inside my head and have to get them out onto paper or canvas.
Growing up in a smaller town, I had no idea I could make a living as an actual artist. I had a pottery teacher in high school who inspired me to pursue my creative passions by convincing me I truly could make a career out of it. Skeptical still of plain old art making money, I went to college and pursued a safe option of graphic design. Even though I would have loved to major in Illustration, I look back with gratitude for my graphic design skills because I use them every day in pattern design.
Fast forward a couple years, I was working in the tech industry, grinding out the oh so glamorous Facebook ads. I was upstairs in my home office and I heard my son crying with the nanny. It broke my heart. I thought, why in the world would I leave my son to make something as mundane as Facebook ads for the tech industry? That moment was a turning point for me. If I was going to take even 4 hours away from my son during the week, I wanted to be doing something I was wildly passionate about. I took that energy and began working feverishly on illustrating my own patterns. I spent any space minute I had creating. It filled me with joy. I finally made enough patterns to step away from my tech job and be a surface pattern designer.
My heart will always be with my family in motherhood. But now when I’m doing my own thing, it fills my absolute soul. I know it is a rarity, so I feel incredibly blessed to have found a job that fulfills me so much."
Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
"In my season of life and motherhood, any spare minute I have, I have to jump straight into creating. I’ve found I’m highly productive now, what used to take 8 hours, I can accomplish in 4 because I have to!"
What inspires you the most?
"I feel the most creatively charged when I’m doing things I love. Spending time with people I cherish and good conversation always gets my creativity flowing. I enjoy art history and seeing beautiful works from the past. Anytime spent outside or in the quiet moments away from my phone or other distractions also fills my creative well. I’ll be the first in my marriage to offer to sit in line at the DVM because letting my mind wander is when the best ideas come to me."
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career as an artist?
"The most challenging aspect of my career as an artist is balancing my creative surges of energy and caring for my children. Which also shows up beautifully together in the form of birthday parties, artfully plated snacks, and paint along sessions with tiny hands. I don’t think I’ll ever find the perfect balance of both, but with each week that passes, I’m getting closer and closer."
Can you share a particularly rewarding or memorable experience you’ve had in your art career?
"The most rewarding experience I’ve had was the first time I walked into a friend’s home and saw my wallpaper on their walls. It was beautiful to see the entire process full circle. Something that started as a doodle with pencil and paper became crafted enough that someone wanted to permanently place it upon their walls in their home. I will never get over that feeling!"
How can people find out more about your work or purchase your art?
"I’d love for new friends to follow along on Instagram @aubreyfairchild_ or check out my website www.aubreyfairchild.com . If you want to license my work, send me an email to info@aubreyfairchild.com and let’s make some beautiful art together!"
Deer Hollow Wallpaper - Green & Pink
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