Check Out Olivia Gibbs’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Gibbs.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been passionate about art and design. Growing up, you would always find me drawing in my sketchbooks I loved patterns and I would collect all kinds of pretty stationery.

We are all very practical in my family and thinking I could never make a living through art I ended up studying Business and getting a Bachelor in Business Administration. I worked in banking for many years, always hating it and knowing there was something missing from my life. At that point and after so many years I had completely forgotten about my true passion.

After the birth of my second daughter, I had the chance to stay home and it was then that I reconnected with my passion and started painting and drawing again. After a while, I got representation from an art agency, and soon after I was working as a freelancer, licensing my art to different companies.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I struggled more at the beginning, as my art was developing and I was starting to learn all the ins and outs of the industry.

But as an artist, there is always a struggle. And most of the struggle lies within us. The lack of inspiration makes us think that we are no longer good, or envious because other artists’ work is ‘better’.

There is always the fear that companies won’t buy my art anymore… Luckily, having a great art agency behind me makes a lot of these struggles easier.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create art that then is licensed or sold to companies that create products such as greeting cards, stationery, editorial, home decor, fabric, etc. Sometimes companies hire me to create specific art for them.

I love to create all kinds of florals, inspiring quotes, and detailed illustrations. Creating my art gives me joy and I love to be able to inspire others with my art and in doing so also spread that same joy.

My most proud moment so far is my first book The Better Day Book, which contains 52 illustrated ideas for self-care, mindfulness, and relaxation plus journal pages. Also, coming out this summer is How to be Happy, which will be a companion to my first one where I share 52 ways to practice loving-kindness.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice is to keep going. Keep trying. Keep being positive. The hardest part is rejection. I almost gave up a couple of times in the past, luckily my husband is always being there supporting me and he is my biggest fan.

But you need to believe in yourself and believe it will come true.

Contact Info:

• Email: oliviagibbs@gmail.com
• Website: http://www.oliviagibbs.com
• Instagram: @oliviagibbsillustration
• Other: http://oligibbsillustration.etsy.com