Introducing Thoughtress Creative: A Journey from the Conventional to Artistic Fulfillment
Hi, I'm Sonja! Whether you're a long-time friend or a newcomer to my world, welcome. Join me as I embark on a new chapter of my creative journey with Thoughtress Creative. Creativity has been a cornerstone in my life (my mom likes to joke that I’m an artist because she watched Bob Ross while pregnant with me). Bob Ross is the ultimate art hero for creating impactful and recognizable works in a low pressure and unwaveringly positive environment. Growing up, I aspired to be like Bob. Unfortunately, I fell victim to the notion that "artists don't make any money."
So, I charted a course towards a more 'sensible' path, majoring in graphic design during college. After graduation, I landed what I thought was my 'dream job' at an advertising agency, only to discover that the reality wasn’t what I’d hoped. The subsequent years saw me hopping between various industries, from real estate to cannabis sales, searching for the right fit.
My last full-time job ended in 2017, and during my job hunt, I began taking on freelance gigs; and I never stopped. This marked the inception of Neto Studio, my creative agency that served as the hub for all my freelance design and illustration work. For six years, I introduced myself as a freelance designer, eliciting admiration for the apparent freedom it brought. Externally, I concurred, but deep down, I felt like I was only seeing the greener side of the grass. While working remotely and project by project was liberating, a voice inside reminded me that I do my best work when my heart is fully invested. For all the pride I felt helping brands elevate their marketing, I yearned for more connection.
In late 2022, I noticed a slowdown in my regular freelance work. With newfound time and the pressure to maintain a steady income, I decided to focus on selling my fine art. The holiday season brought a pleasant surprise as I sold several paintings, along with numerous prints and stickers, offering a glimpse into the potential of my artistic journey. As the new year rolled in, art sales dwindled. Doubts crept in about the viability of a full-time art business. I started applying for full-time, on-site positions, all the while reframing it not as "giving up" but as another step in my creative journey. I accepted a role as a production artist for an apparel producer, with my eyes set on the salary and benefits package. I committed to staying there for over a year, with plans to continue my art business on the side.
Just three months into my new role, the company called for an emergency meeting, and the shocking news was delivered – we were all being laid off. In a twist of fate, I found myself not only offered a severance package but also an additional month of insurance and a career coach. It was a moment of realization; the universe had its own plans.
And thus, I find myself at the outset of a new phase in my artistic evolution. My previous venture revolved around collaborating with clients to elevate their branding and marketing. Now, I'm transitioning into a more specialized niche. I've honed my artistic style and found unity in my body of work. With a presence in markets and online through my shop, I'm prepared to take my artistry to the next level. While I'll always be a designer at heart, my focus is narrowing towards clients in creative fields like musicians, writers, and other creatives. The passion that my clients bring to their missions has always been a driving force for me. Meeting others who are equally devoted to their creative goals sparks my own creativity. I remain open to working with clients from a variety of industries, but I'm also calling out to collaborators to build a community grounded in creation.
So, whether you're seeking to infuse more art into your life or want guidance in bringing your creative vision to fruition, Thoughtress Creative is here with open arms. Let's join forces and create something remarkable together.
