Jillian Holladay shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jillian, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Coffee, of course! I like to work on a coastal art project (painting or drawing) in the early morning. Either something new that I am creating or just experimenting with a new medium or technique. Early morning suits me because there are no distractions nor any need to think there might be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I draw and paint animals found around or in water, coastal art. I use ink to draw the creature: first the outline and then the details and shading to give it dimension. When I am satisfied with that part, I often add color to the drawing with watercolor or colored pencils. I came to the discovery that I could draw late in life when I took a class in painting and drawing just out of curiosity (I was in my early 60s then).
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I never let the world tell me who I needed to be. If you are going to be successful and satisfied with yourself, you must be yourself. Not many people really “get” me but those people who do are drawn to me as I am to them. I think that I have reinvented myself 3 or 4 times as far as what I do but my core values have never changed: love freely, keep your word, treat people with respect and kindness.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Resilience. I will always bounce back no matter what. Most recently, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Just a year prior to that I had earned a Merchant Mariner credential, and we moved to Florida so I could be the captain of tour boats. The diagnosis meant I had to give up that plan. I pivoted to coastal art and threw myself into drawing and painting. Coastal art is now my focus, and I have achieved some success. Earlier this year my coastal art was featured in a one-woman show titled “White Birds & Black Ink”.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I try to treat everyone I meet with respect and kindness. Respect people from the start, do not make them “earn” your respect. Kindness, the world can be harsh and unforgiving, do not add to that: be gentle. The public version of me is absolutely the real me. I have always worn my heart on my sleeve. Who has the time to create and defend a false front?
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a good loyal friend, a hard worker, and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coastalartbyjillian.com/
- Instagram: @ coastalbyjillian
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianbaxter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Coastal-Art-by-Jillian-61568515696221/
Image Credits
Jillian Holladay
