Meet Carissa Bowser | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Carissa, how do you think about risk?
A few years ago I would not have considered myself to be much of a risk taker. My opinion on that has since changed though many small steps of saying yes to things outside of my comfort zone. To leave the comfort of a stable job and income is risk. Putting yourself out there for people to either accept or reject – is risk. But risk taking might better be said to be courage. And to make art – any art – is to be brave. I have found that often the reward far outweighs the risk. In my life, risk personally looks more like faith. Daily “yesses” to the things that scare me but also that hold so much abundance and joy on the other side. I have also found that the risks I am taking in my personal life parallel to those in my art career. So my advice, weigh the outcomes…but don’t be afraid to take the leap. You have no idea what you might find if you do. Both in yourself and through the adventure.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been creating art since I can remember. Creativity has always just been a part of me. It’s who I am. Carissa? Oh…yeah she’s the artist. As much as my career is not my identity I can’t help but just own that I love creating beautiful and meaningful things! What a privilege to have work that is in fact, real Garden-of-Eden-life work.

I graduated with a BA in Studio Art where I met my equally talented and creative husband, Jesse. My art career began as a fine artist where I primarily focused in oil and acrylic painting, however over the last few years I have found a new love for illustration and design. I was always just a pencil and paper girl until I finally caved and a few years ago bought my own iPad. That was a total game changer! Even though I do not have a background in design, I have seen how my understanding of art has helped me soar in the design world. My knowledge of composition and color have proved to be some of my greatest strengths in my work – and I take colors very seriously as that can make or break the design! I also love the versatility of design and the ability to take my work with me to a coffee shop and find ways to work outside of my home studio…and of course drink good coffee.

My favorite projects are children’s book illustration and poster designs for bands, markets, and other local events. I create consistently for both my church and the Travelers Rest Farmers Market – both of whom give me full creative freedom and trust in the projects. I always say the greatest compliment I could receive is someone’s trust. And I am grateful to all my clients who give me just that!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Travelers Rest, South Carolina and sometimes I have to pinch myself that it’s real life. If Stars Hallow were real it would look a lot like my town. It’s always busy but somehow in the slowest and best way. The best parts about the Town are the people and then small businesses owned by those very people. Tandem Creperie and Coffee house is always a win. It’s always the first place we take someone from out of town. From there we would take a walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, stop to take a photo by the mural Jesse and I painted on Main Street, and then mosey on over to the Travelers Rest Farmers Market for fresh produce for the week – and probably more coffee.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my other half – Jesse. I never thought I would marry an artist, but I have loved that throughout all of our life together we have shared a love for creating. Our differences have become some of our greatest strengths as a creative duo. You have supported me every step of the way, pushed me to take risks and taken the leap with me too. I love ya!
I also want to shoutout my amazing clients who have given me their trust to create beautiful and meaningful art for them. My favorite part of my job is working with people to create something that we are both proud of together. It is not lost on me that they keep me going and doing what I love! So, if we have ever worked together in the past, THANK YOU!

Website: carissagraceart.com

Instagram: @carissagraceart, @victorygardenstudio

Image Credits
Jane Howard Photography Nicole Davis – Storied Artisan