creative highlight
MEMBER from our community
TARA NORTON
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Hi, I'm Tara from Illustrated by Tara,
I am a qualified professional artist sharing Gods word by creating watercolor artwork, Bible journaling and more. I have always been an artist and have been creating Christian artwork for over 2 years. I have also been an Etsy Seller for 2 years and now I've just launched my new website. Having suffered a mental health disorder for over 10 years, and I feel called to offer encouragement and support for those who are also suffering. I have dedicated a collection of artwork, where 50% of proceeds are donated to the Charity Anxiety UK.
I know how frustrating it can be to find that perfect Christian baptism gift, wedding gift or birthday gift. Let's be honest there's not many out there. I offer a wide range of original watercolors, painted Bibles, Christian home decor and gifts for any occasion.
For more information and inspiration please visit my Instagram @illustratedbytara.
All my artwork is available to purchase on my website at http://illustratedbytara.bigcartel.com/
Instagram: @illustratedbytara
Website: http://illustratedbytara.bigcartel.com/
I am a qualified professional artist sharing Gods word by creating watercolor artwork, Bible journaling and more. I have always been an artist and have been creating Christian artwork for over 2 years. I have also been an Etsy Seller for 2 years and now I've just launched my new website. Having suffered a mental health disorder for over 10 years, and I feel called to offer encouragement and support for those who are also suffering. I have dedicated a collection of artwork, where 50% of proceeds are donated to the Charity Anxiety UK.
I know how frustrating it can be to find that perfect Christian baptism gift, wedding gift or birthday gift. Let's be honest there's not many out there. I offer a wide range of original watercolors, painted Bibles, Christian home decor and gifts for any occasion.
For more information and inspiration please visit my Instagram @illustratedbytara.
All my artwork is available to purchase on my website at http://illustratedbytara.bigcartel.com/
Instagram: @illustratedbytara
Website: http://illustratedbytara.bigcartel.com/
Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
I was creative as a child and excelled in my art classes at school, which I thoroughly enjoyed and always achieved good grades. As I got older, I realized that art gave me an outlet to express myself and always had a sense that it was about much more than just the painting.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
Selling my art has always been at the back of my mind but didn’t become a realistic goal until about 4 years ago. At the time, I was creating animal watercolors, pet portraits etc. but, despite my church family suggesting I produce Christian artwork, the idea really didn’t appeal to me. Then two years ago I received prayer for my insecurities and I came away feeling that Christian artwork was very much the direction God wanted me to take. The first thing I shared on my social media was a Bible journaling page and my post went crazy! I felt God had well and truly put me in my place and I’ve never looked back.
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
As I want my artwork to be Spirit led, before I begin to paint, I always sit at my desk and pray. Sometimes God inspires me with a verse or image immediately, whilst at other times, I have to pray and listen for a few days before I get clear direction. Spreading God’s Word and the blessings my work might bring to those homes it goes to, is great motivation for me.
I was creative as a child and excelled in my art classes at school, which I thoroughly enjoyed and always achieved good grades. As I got older, I realized that art gave me an outlet to express myself and always had a sense that it was about much more than just the painting.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
Selling my art has always been at the back of my mind but didn’t become a realistic goal until about 4 years ago. At the time, I was creating animal watercolors, pet portraits etc. but, despite my church family suggesting I produce Christian artwork, the idea really didn’t appeal to me. Then two years ago I received prayer for my insecurities and I came away feeling that Christian artwork was very much the direction God wanted me to take. The first thing I shared on my social media was a Bible journaling page and my post went crazy! I felt God had well and truly put me in my place and I’ve never looked back.
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
As I want my artwork to be Spirit led, before I begin to paint, I always sit at my desk and pray. Sometimes God inspires me with a verse or image immediately, whilst at other times, I have to pray and listen for a few days before I get clear direction. Spreading God’s Word and the blessings my work might bring to those homes it goes to, is great motivation for me.
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
I love to express my creativity in watercolors, but am open to trying anything new. I love a challenge and learning new skills, and I am currently experimenting with making my own paper and perfecting making my own watercolor paints.
Is there more than one creative outlet for you? Do they all come together or totally separate?
I have several different creative outlets. Apart from the pieces I produce for my shop, many form part of my personal worship and thanksgiving to God. I paint in my Bible, a reminder of where it all began, and I also paint for my Church – The Rivers Team – where I’m a member of the art worship team. I have created very large pieces of art, displayed across the team and these huge pieces reflected the theme of the relevant Sermon series. I have also produced the artwork for a variety of worship sessions too.
Are others in your family creative too?
My Mum is also artistic and that has always encouraged me. My brother is musically gifted and plays the guitar and cajon in our Church worship group
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
Having been diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder (GAD) over 10 years ago, I faced many storms and struggled daily. Two years ago, through prayer, God healed me completely. Since being set free from the bondage of anxiety, I’ve reached out, via social media, to many other people offering encouragement and prayer. I feel blessed that God, through my artwork, is calling me to pastorally care for others suffering with mental health disorders.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork/and where do you see it going from here?
I became productive in my artwork through a great deal of prayer and perseverance.
I really struggle keeping focused and it’s something I do prayerfully. At first, I got used to the different paints I had and experimented with different techniques. Any spare time I had I spent practicing and perfecting my skills. I see God at work in everything I undertake and am excited to see where He might take me
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
I’d really encourage other creatives to spend quality time in prayer – giving any ideas they have to God, and listening for direction from Him. Another useful tip is – do your research. Build yourself a realistic price structure and take note of how others advertise and promote their business. There are a lot of free resources on the internet and YouTube became a good friend of mine! Use what’s available and, of course, there’s a great deal of “trial and error”
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
My most important advice is “don’t compare yourself to others.” I think this is so important if you are to stay focused on where God is leading YOU. Remember, however difficult it might be at times, why you started creating in the first place, and keep going!
I love to express my creativity in watercolors, but am open to trying anything new. I love a challenge and learning new skills, and I am currently experimenting with making my own paper and perfecting making my own watercolor paints.
Is there more than one creative outlet for you? Do they all come together or totally separate?
I have several different creative outlets. Apart from the pieces I produce for my shop, many form part of my personal worship and thanksgiving to God. I paint in my Bible, a reminder of where it all began, and I also paint for my Church – The Rivers Team – where I’m a member of the art worship team. I have created very large pieces of art, displayed across the team and these huge pieces reflected the theme of the relevant Sermon series. I have also produced the artwork for a variety of worship sessions too.
Are others in your family creative too?
My Mum is also artistic and that has always encouraged me. My brother is musically gifted and plays the guitar and cajon in our Church worship group
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
Having been diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder (GAD) over 10 years ago, I faced many storms and struggled daily. Two years ago, through prayer, God healed me completely. Since being set free from the bondage of anxiety, I’ve reached out, via social media, to many other people offering encouragement and prayer. I feel blessed that God, through my artwork, is calling me to pastorally care for others suffering with mental health disorders.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork/and where do you see it going from here?
I became productive in my artwork through a great deal of prayer and perseverance.
I really struggle keeping focused and it’s something I do prayerfully. At first, I got used to the different paints I had and experimented with different techniques. Any spare time I had I spent practicing and perfecting my skills. I see God at work in everything I undertake and am excited to see where He might take me
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
I’d really encourage other creatives to spend quality time in prayer – giving any ideas they have to God, and listening for direction from Him. Another useful tip is – do your research. Build yourself a realistic price structure and take note of how others advertise and promote their business. There are a lot of free resources on the internet and YouTube became a good friend of mine! Use what’s available and, of course, there’s a great deal of “trial and error”
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
My most important advice is “don’t compare yourself to others.” I think this is so important if you are to stay focused on where God is leading YOU. Remember, however difficult it might be at times, why you started creating in the first place, and keep going!