Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Moore.
Hi Anna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My start is filled with many ups and downs, many unpleasant things that I think some people would be inspired by, and knowing I worked through them to where I am today feels truly amazing, even to myself, at times, but most are just too hard to share. I am the eldest of 4 daughters to our mother, Teri Hartman. She always did all she could to help encourage and foster my love for art. At one point, I was working through at least one sketchbook a year, and though we didn’t have much, I knew that whether for my birthday or Christmas, I would have a new one waiting for me. I also had my mom’s brothers to ask questions and to bond with over art. They are both amazing artists, and I hope to reach their level someday. I will always be so thankful for all of the support I have received through the years from my family. Their support is why I have always looked at myself as an artist, and I knew it was something I wanted to do to help support my family in the future. Today, with the love and support of my husband, I have been able to explore many avenues to accomplish that, from a tattoo apprenticeship to working in the Freelance Digital art space. At this time, I gravitate more to making art for myself and using platforms like Redbubble and Printful in my Etsy Shop to share the designs I have created.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When is anything we truly want in life a smooth road? I have struggled with many bouts of lost inspiration and drive. When I was in my tattoo apprenticeship, I had to leave because, after years of trying, I finally became pregnant, and I could not handle the smell of the inks and germicide. There have been many times I have stopped on my journey, just to start again and feel like I forgot what to do. I believe that the struggle is what makes the path we walk more meaningful because I can look back to where I started and be thankful for the new view I have now, and if it took me taking a break, then I am thankful that I have returned to start again.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am primarily a digital artist. I use Procreate for all of the work I have done for the past 8 years, though I do also enjoy working on paper with pencil. I am currently focused on creating repeating patterns that can be used on items from phone cases to clothing. I look at all of my work and ask if it is something I would wear or if I would like to see it on clothing for my daughter. I do find that I have a very eclectic taste when it comes to things I personally like, so I have had to realize I am not for everyone, and that is okay with me. I think the thing that sets me apart is that, in a way, I don’t really care; I mean, I care about others but not what others think of me or my work. I would love to get out there for the people that are like me, but I don’t follow the crowd, and I am okay with staying a small artist as long as I can keep making what I love and what makes me happy.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The only resource I have used to help better my life is constant prayer. I work a lot in quiet, just sitting next to my husband and/or our daughter. I can find random sparks of inspiration from worldly things I consume, but I didn’t really feel a shift in the depression and anxiety that held me back from many things until I worked on my personal prayer rule and started saying the Jesus prayer more. I truly believe anything is possible through prayer and keeping a strong relationship with God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://etsy.me/3xyi224
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Moonlitdatura
- Other: https://vampirame.redbubble.com
