Meet Carly Martin from Clementine Studio

Q: When did you decide to launch Clementine Studio?

I had a day job (at a desk, not an easel!), but started freelancing after-hours and sold prints through a few online shops and flash-sale sites like One Kings Lane. Eventually, I got a nice little side hustle going! Then when my sister got engaged, she asked me to design the Save the Date cards. I received a lot of great feedback and requests for similar projects. That encouraged me to take the leap to do this full-time.

Q: Whats been one of the biggest challenges of owning your own business?

Id say the biggest challenge has been having trust in my own work ethic and habits. Anyone running a business will tell you that its nonstop and always on your mind, which is true and has become a fact of life, but one Ive learned to manage. Contrary to most other people whom I read about or talk to who are running businesses, Im definitely not a workaholic. I couldnt be if I triedI need an equal amount of downtime as I do work time, in order to create an amazing product. For me, the challenge lies in knowing that yes, theres always going to be something that I could be working on for the business, but that doesnt mean that I should be. Personally, its best if I dont overwork myself because then Ill be mentally fatigued and unable to be productive. Trusting in my own process and not comparing my day to someone elses is always something Im actively working on.

Q: What advice do you have for artists and illustrators looking to break out into their own thing?

Make as much art as you can, as often as you can. Dont get hung up on sharing your work based on what you think your audience wants to see. Create things you enjoy creating and share it thats the only way to attract the right audience to your work. With so many artists accessible online and on Instagram these days, what really stands out is when you can tell someone truly loves what theyre creating. It beams, even from behind an iPhone screen. Show your process, show the heart behind it and people will be interested in learning more.

Q: What advice do you have for people looking to explore their creativity?

A: Unfollow people who are doing something similar to you. It may sound counterintuitive, but other than a few mentors and collaborators of mine, I dont follow anyone working with watercolors in the same way I do, because consciously or subconsciously it will influence my own work and affect my creativity.

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