It’s always an evolving story whenever you ask a person what they are passionate about. Figuring out why God placed you on this Earth, what’s your calling, what will make you happy, and what will change lives…Just thinking on those words evoke pressure…Probably because we never truly know and can spend a lifetime wedging into categories we feel we ought to be aligned with… Passion, however, found its way to me by trusting and letting go. I discovered my peace of mind in visual art, and it wasn’t until I allowed myself to be receptive to it, did I realize how much I truly loved it.

Now I don’t want to bore you with the traditional story, so I’ll keep it as simple as possible. I’ve always been good at two things; calculations and creative thinking. They often conflict with each other, but that’s why it took me forever to learn how to embrace both. I took the traditional route in college and got my degree in civil engineering, currently working in construction. I always wanted to go to school for art and design but usually the things you want to do the most, aren’t what will pay the bills. Don’t get me wrong, I also wanted to be an engineer, so I chose the more secure route. Fast forward to my life now, and I’m trying to master both.

I never really painted much until my first year after college, but it was sparingly and only personal projects or small décor for friends. Last October I took a leap of faith and entered my first art show curated by some old friends. I remember being nervous, unprepared, and stressed because I had just moved to Miami and the show was in Baltimore. No one even knew I could paint, and I didn’t know the least about shipping art or branding work. Who knew that I’d end up selling every piece and receive so much love and positive energy, that I turned my craft into a business..

This new-found excitement led me to a more consistent approach to creating new artwork. I started to research techniques, mediums, styles, artists; you name it! In doing so, I quickly gained an appreciation for other creative mind around me, which opened doors quickly. I haven’t lived here a year and have been apart of numerous shows throughout Florida. That’s big for an introverted person like myself…The analytical, antsy, and occasional weirdo, but I knew interacting amongst strangers was a challenge I had to overcome. Actually, I’m still overcoming this, but these changes let me know that this was for me. The obstacles helped me grow as an individual and live in my purpose. The Arts have not only enlightened me, it has increased my patience for everything else around me. I guess if you spent 30+ hours on a painting, you’d probably feel a little more patient too (lol).

I’m mentioning all these things because I want to emphasize how my passion, though I didn’t know it at the time, has improved multiple areas of my life. When you allow your faith to guide the way, the answers you tried to seek will come to you at the right time. I’ve developed friendships, traveled, increased income, and collaborated with so many dope people around me. Who knew that sketches in a book would evolve into bodypainting, logo designs, murals, and more.

Don’t get me wrong, everything about art isn’t glamorous. Like everyone else, I get frustrated with the things I care about most. Working a demanding 50-60hr job, and trying to keep up with a business is no easy task. There are times where I am inconsistent, have “painters block”, busy, or just not in the mood to indulge in painting. People often misconstrue passions as something you’re always supposed to feel motivated to take on, but that is so far from the truth. We are all human and get tired of things occasionally, but as long as you get your dose when needed, you feel accomplished. I’m not the best at my craft, but consistency trumps all. To see the progress in my work keeps me going, and doing it for my own satisfaction keeps me centered. If my friends had never pushed me to take art more seriously, I’d never have been confident enough to let go and put myself out there.

It’s important to remember that people often see the potential in you before you see it in yourself, so never let the success of others discourage you path of happiness. Whether good or bad, the outcome is growth and that is enough to keep pushing and never let go.

-Tiffany Snow