Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Scott.
Hi Terri, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Louisiana and was adopted by my artist grandmother when I was 14. She inspired me to pursue a career in art, which led to me attending Memphis College of Art in Tennessee. I received my BFA with concentrations in both painting and illustration in 2014.
After graduating, I joined the scholar’s program at Church Health, a nonprofit healthcare clinic in Memphis. I spent a year as an assistant digital designer. After the gap-year program ended, I became the illustrator for the Church Health Reader, a quarterly magazine.
For four years, I worked a multitude of jobs as a freelance illustrator, after-school art teacher, and server at a local restaurant. Once the Reader retired, I started work as a studio manager at a local children’s studio called The Art Project.
Today, I work and teach at The Art Project, teach art at local organizations such as Arrow Creative, and do fun commissions on the side.
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?
I had a difficult childhood. Luckily my gran rescued me from all of that and set me on the right path. My main struggles today include mental health and finances. It’s tough making a living as an artist.
Especially now. However, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I think the hardest part about being an artist is believing in yourself. For me, it’s a never-ending battle, but seeing the children around me create with such freedom and joy is so refreshing. I work in an environment where creativity is constantly flowing.
As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, getting started on a project can be difficult. Yet somehow I can’t quit. And I think that’s the secret. To never give up and to create what brings you joy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a digital illustrator primarily and I like to describe my art as cute and cartoon-y. My work is very kid-friendly and approachable, especially since I do a lot of family portraits!
Families, especially interesting and diverse families, are what I specialize in. As someone who comes from an atypical family, it’s so nice to see many different types of families. Also, it brings me so much happiness to illustrate cute families and capture their personalities. I also love drawing cats. I was selling cat parodies at comic conventions for a couple of years before the pandemic. People get a kick out of it! Especially kids.
My style developed a lot through working with the Church Health Reader. They were very adamant about portraying the diversity and being inclusive. I was encouraged to try different techniques and styles until I eventually found my own voice. They gave me the environment and space I needed to grow and I’m forever grateful for that.
Also my books. My husband wrote and I illustrated a book called “The Little Island Bandit” inspired by our adventures on Horn Island. I also recently self-published a book called “Believer” which is a poem written by my late father. Proceeds from the first 25 copies sold will be donated to the American Heart Association. My dad died of heart disease so I thought it would be fitting.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Oh yes! They can start by following my social media pages:
Instagram- @terri.scott.art
Facebook- Terri Scott Illustration
TikTok- @tscott.illustrates
The best way to contact me is through my email: tscott.draws@gmail.com
My art can be viewed at terriscottillustration.com.
My books “The Little Island Bandit” and “Believer: A Journey to the Stars” can be purchased through Amazon, although they will eventually be sold in local shops.
Contact Info:
- Email: tscott.draws@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.terriscottillustration.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terri.scott.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=terri%20scott%20illustration
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSaCg5tB1OwDgGVVZRDUeNw/featured
