Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Pasterchick.
Hi Courtney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Throughout my childhood, I always enjoyed drawing and would attempt to draw my favorite singers and actors to hang in my room. When high school came around, I started taking art more seriously and was inspired by my teacher who at the time was illustrating children’s books. I looked up to her so much and she believed in my talent. Because of her I decided to study fine art in college with a concentration in painting at the University of Tampa. From there, I was introduced to a whole new world of art and met so many talented people that inspired me to be better. As a sophomore in college, my professor connected me with a local mural artist who was looking for an assistant. Although I have never done murals before, I was eager to learn from a professional in the field. She taught me the ins and outs of murals, business, marketing, and the art world in general. I finally found the confidence I needed to make a name for myself in the art world. After graduating in May, I have been doing all that I can to succeed as a full-time artist at 22 years old. My goal is to continue perfecting my craft, collaborating with other artists, and leaving my mark everywhere possible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth ride throughout my artist journey; however, all of the struggles have made me the artist I am today. From the beginning, I have been told to reconsider my career choice because it’s not “practical” and that I would be wasting my money getting a degree in art. However, these words have only motivated me more in order to prove to the people who doubt me that I can make a career out of art. I want to inspire other creatives to believe in themselves and realize that they don’t need to settle for a job that they hate going to every day. Another major struggle throughout my artist journey is that the starving artist stereotype is definitely real. But it was also a huge motivator for me. I don’t think anything motivates you more than needing to pay your rent at the end of the month. I know that every artists goes through that stage and it’s important to know that it’s temporary and to keep creating through the struggles.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The medium I work most frequently in is oil paints. I studied figure painting for four years in college and therefore focus mainly on nude figures in all of my paintings in a photorealistic style. I would say my figure works are what I am most proud of and what most people know me for, but my mural portfolio has definitely been growing as well and I get a lot of people following my social media because of my mural work in particular.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always a curious kid growing up. I wanted to try to do everything and anything. I went through phases of wanting to be a singer, musician, dancer, soccer player, vet, etc., and was eager to find something I was good at. I am honestly surprised that my parents were able to keep up and support me throughout all of my different stages growing up. But no matter what I did I always put 110% into everything.
Pricing:
- custom oil paintings range from $1,000-$5,000 depending on size
- mural minimum is $500
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://courtneypasterchic.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: @courtney_makes_art
- Other: Tik tok: @courtney_makes_art
Image Credits
@redflaremedia
