Today we’d like to introduce you to Lovietta Simpkins.
Lovietta, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Chicago, Self taught and drawing these crazy little half dog half human creatures on notebook paper at the age of three. They were the coolest thing ever. That’s what started everything. From then on I couldn’t stop drawing. My parents saw my dedication and supported me as best they could. I would draw with makeup pencils, chalk, crayons, and even watercolor.
In elementary school I became a Designer & Student Participant in 2002 for Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory, Alongside other students, I worked through a series of product illustrations pertaining to pollination, trying to figure out what could be the best fit for the children’s area. In the end, my design was chosen and the team came up with the name. We called it, “The Wheel Of Life,” and its nestled in Garfield Park Conservatory’s Children’s Garden with a plaque beside it, naming all the students who were involved.
That experience fostered my love of science and I was very skilled in it, even won awards, however, it never brought me the joy that art could.
In 2006 a selection of my Poetry was published in the Fzine Magazine of School of the Art Institute of Chicago. That same year I was also first choice selected to participate in Leroy Neiman’s Master Classes in Figure Drawing for high school students, at SAIC. 2006 Sept. 30 I received Leroy Neiman’s Master Classes in Figure Drawing Certificate of Recognition. That class was everything I’d have ever hoped for and became a major turning point in my life. Leroy Neiman told me to, “Keep going, never stop drawing, never give up on your dream.”
So I decided to go to college as an artist. In my college years I exhibited on and off and a piece entitled, “Self” was showcased in Columbia College Chicago’s MilleFest Fall 2007. The following year June 6, 2008, I became was one of Artbistro’s Featured Artist. That year also marked another milestone, an exhibition at Murphy Hill Gallery & Garfield Market with Phantom Gallery plus a showcase at North Austin Branch Library in September.
At that point I just kept going, Art helped me bloom into the person I wanted to be.
2009 I expanded my reach and became an Illustrator for Columbia Colleges’ Echo Magazine and competed several inserts for articles. I even participated in a collaborative student project with a writer Patrick Trahey and designer Deanna Paker creating an illustration for a Zine Columbia publication entitled, “Dirge.” I also became an active member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Not to mention in October 1, 2009, a Artist Exhibitor for America Scores Chicago’s Inspired Art Project. I took part in a Charity Auction Art Project for youth, creating a painting inspired by poem #12 entitled, “I am”.
March 10, 2010, I participated in the International Student Organizations Annual World Enigma “Expression” as an Exhibiting Artist. That year I even became Senior Artist and Illustrator for upcoming PennPointComics organization. 2011 was the turning point for my career and I became a Concept Artist for Columbia College Chicago Practicum Film “The Devils Crossroads.” For that project, I created full-blown storyboards and concept art.
Upon graduation from Columbia College Chicago in 2011, I received my Bachelors of Fine Art in Illustration within Art & Design. My senior showcase was featured in Manifest Urban Arts Festival and apart of the Fine Art Exhibition at Creative Gallery in Columbia College Chicago.
Then everything changed. The road became long and I hit so many snags. In order to support my family, I had to work outside of my field making below minimum wage, hopping from a job after job.The art scene in Chicago was slow moving and I lost jobs, due to downsizing in companies. I filled out countless job applications, worked for free, and volunteered. Nothing seemed to be going right. I couldn’t find work at all and most employers I sought out said that I was overqualified.
So I know I’d become accustomed to the labels, unemployed, underemployed, and overqualified. After years of hearing this, I finally said, “no.” I decided to cast out all the negative labels and start drawing again. I would pave the way for my own dream. So I picked up where I left off and got back into social media.Then started to create custom illustrations, design posters, flyers, sample campaigns, business cards, brochures, developed logos, and brand identities. I also put together presentations, landing pages, and visual web design.
In 2015 I published my first book with my company, Envision & Wonder, entitled, “Winter Wish,” a story about a toy bear in search of a friend. Then in 2016, I released, “Max Can,” an imaginative bunny.
Later on that year I exhibited with the Fulton Street Artist Collective in Chicago. Then worked with the Women’s March on Washington locally in Chicago and supported a group of women from the Westside and Loop areas as a freelance project manager. I worked closely with the Event Coordinator and built the website and all marketing materials for the event. I still volunteer with the group.
At the start of 2017, I wrote a mini-mystery web series called, “Mr. Red,” for Envision & Wonder’s blog. Then June 2017 I dived back into showcasing artwork for the ” Unauthorized SFMOMA Show,” numbers 476, 482, 487, and 500. After that I had shows back to back,Artbeat Gallery Featured Artist & Auction November 2017, then Live Painter for The Canvas Project at Lincolnwood Town Center’s Artisan Market November 2017, a Solo Art Exhibitor at Munch Restaurant October 2017 to December 2017 and finally featured artwork for Trap Door’s play entitled, “They”.
Now officially as a working artist, I collaborate with clients solving key problems, lead large and small teams, train/coach students and employees. I challenge myself every day by constantly learning new things. My adventure is just beginning and I won’t stop now because my dream is to share my stories with the world.
I pull from my experiences, family, and the world around me. I like to explore art and create things that are whimsical, beautiful, ugly and even uncertain. My art is a walking storybook, it’s full of life, flare and emotion.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Creative Consultant & Artist | Envision & Wonder (Founder) – what should we know?
As a Creative Consultant and Artist, I specialize in Fine Art, Illustration & Design. I partake in art shows and exhibitions, create design solutions for clients and employers I work alongside filmmakers for productions, volunteer and teach. I’m always working on my craft as an artist and I publish books through my company Envision & Wonder.
I’m most proud of all the people I have inspired with my work, challenges I’ve faced along the way and how I’ve overcome those obstacles.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The most important characteristic that contributes to my success is understanding that there are things that I cannot change and that It’s not required to accept any set circumstance because we are constantly learning from our mistakes.
All aspects of life are a collection of journey’s and yes sometimes they come with their own fair share of problems. But what I always like to remind myself is that we learn and grow from our failures. In order to get better, you need to take those failures in stride and keep pushing on no matter what because that is what ultimately allows your success to bloom.
Pricing:
- Creative Consultation | First 30 min Session is free, then $25 per hour. Business Consulting, Brand Strategies, Design Solutions, Social Media & Web Design
- Custom Art | Fine Art & Paintings Medium to Large: $30 to $250 Oversized: $300 and up
- Art Prints Small to Large: $20 to $100
- Illustration & Storyboards Rough Sketch Frames $5 Each (5 Revisions then $1 after initial 5) — Basic $15 per frame,( 6 Revisions then $2 each after initial 6) $20 per frame for full color. ( 8 Revisions then $5 each after initial 8) — Detailed $25 per frame, ( 8 Revisions then $2 each after initial 8) $30 per frame for full color. ( 10 Revisions then $5 each after initial 10)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.loviettasimpkins.com/
- Phone: 3126228718
- Email: lovis.artist@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/l_viartist_s
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoviettaSimpkinsArtist/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/viartist
- Other: https://www.envisionwonder.com/
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