Episode 84: Pulling From Your Past to Build Your Future with Mandy Corcoran
Today, we're joined by Mandy Corcoran from Amanda Grace Design, a surface pattern designer and teacher, sharing her journey of blending tech and art to create a successful business. Mandy's story is all about finding joy in what you do and pulling from your past and using your strengths to build a career you love.
Early Days of Organized Chaos
Mandy's journey began with a desire to explore art while balancing her responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom of three. Initially unsure of her direction, she stumbled upon surface pattern design through online courses on Skillshare. Her early days were marked by what she calls "organized chaos," trying various artistic avenues and working late nights around her family duties. This journey, filled with experimentation and learning, eventually led her to discover her passion for creating seamless patterns, a path she hadn't anticipated but embraced wholeheartedly.
Embracing the "Techie Nerd"
Mandy went through a mindset shift in the last couple of years, embracing her love for technology and education alongside her art career. Initially, she felt torn between chasing her goal of licensing her designs and delving into tech and education. She hesitated to step into teaching and technology, fearing it might take away from her time to draw. However, as she connected with more artists and realized her unique ability to help them work efficiently, she fully embraced her "techie nerd" side about a year and a half ago. This change brought her immense satisfaction and a newfound understanding that past experiences, can enrich and support one's artistic journey.
Drawing from Past Experiences
Mandy reflects on her mindset shift over the past few years, embracing her love for technology and education alongside her art career. She shares how she overcame fear by reframing her thoughts and focusing on her unique strengths. This change brought her newfound confidence and happiness, allowing her to blend her passions seamlessly. She also discusses the importance of finding joy in what you do, sticking with what you love, and taking one step at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Her words of wisdom emphasize the power of following your passion and staying true to yourself, which ultimately leads to success and fulfillment in your creative journey.
Learn more about Mandy:
From Tech to Textiles: Embracing Art, Technology, and Education. I’m passionate about helping fellow artists harness the power of technology to streamline their creative processes. My mission is to enable you to focus more on what truly inspires you—creating art. As a successful surface pattern designer, my designs have adorned products across the globe, showcasing the seamless blend of art and innovation. Let me help you transform your artistic vision into reality, making your work more efficient and your art more accessible to the world.
Connect with Mandy:
www.amandagracedesign.com
@amandagracedesign (IG)
Procreate Course: https://www.surfacepatterndesign.courses/ProcreatePatternsUnleashed
Free Email Course: https://artbizabcs.com/
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
● Starting a new venture often involves navigating chaos and uncertainty. Embrace the process and recognize that it's a natural part of the creative business journey.
● It’s important to allow yourself to draw from your previous skills and past experiences because this will only inevitably enhance your current pursuits.
● Don't shy away from blending seemingly different fields, such as technology and art. This integration can lead to innovative approaches and solutions in not only your creative process but also the business aspects of your work.
● Give yourself permission and allow yourself to evolve and incorporate different aspects of your identity and expertise into your work. Embracing all parts of your interests can lead to a more authentic and enjoyable career.
