Meet Colleen Dwyer | Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Colleen Dwyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colleen, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
If I find myself wanting to give up on art, I focus on the joy and satisfaction that it brings me. I think about why I started creating art in the first place and focus on those feelings.

I take a break if needed, but I don’t give up. I try new mediums, experiment with different techniques, and find inspiration in the work of other artists.

I find ways to make art more accessible and less intimidating. For example, I might try creating small, simple sketches or taking a break from my usual materials and trying something new.

Remember, art is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process, and don’t be too hard on yourself. You don’t always have to produce a masterpiece; if you’re not feeling inspired, that’s okay, too. Just keep at it and eventually, you’ll find your creative spark again.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is varied. I’m all over the place: watercolor, acrylic, paper, etc. I get so excited when someone picks a piece up and immediately falls in love with it. To help with the business side, it is important to have a clear plan. This includes setting goals and objectives, creating a budget, determining what resources are needed, and having a timeline in place. Additionally, create a marketing plan to help get your art out there. This can include social media, email campaigns, and other forms of promotion. Lastly, make sure to take the time to step back and evaluate your progress. It can be difficult to stay objective but it is important to ensure that the goals and objectives you set are achieved.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start at my favorite restaurant in the city, Terra on State St. in West Columbia. We would check out some local breweries like River Rat Brewery and Weco. We would take a day trip to Charleston and do some sightseeing at the market, maybe take a horse and buggy ride. Depending on the time of year, kayaking, tubing, or if it’s football season, let’s tailgate at Williams Brice Stadium. Goodness BBQ is a staple, so let’s head to Hites or Little Pigs. If we have time, let’s check out the State Museum or the Art Museum. You can’t come to Columbia without a morning at Soda City getting fresh flowers, local food trucks, and tons of people watching!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The best way to continue to fuel my creativity is to stay connected with our local artist community. I attend art shows, workshops, and other events to stay current on my peers’ creations. I look online for virtual events and platforms to connect with artists nearby. I also keep a sketchbook or journal to jot down ideas and document my creative process. I won’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with new methods and techniques. Keeping my creative practice fresh and exciting will help me stay inspired and motivated.

Website: https://colleendwyer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbelldoodles/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-dwyer-6073979/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbelldoodles

Other: https://linktr.ee/cbelldoodles