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Ai LIVE: Artist Ashley Longshore Shares her Insight and Wisdom

In this episode of Ai LIVE, the vibrant Ashely Longshore talks with host E. Vincent Martinez about her path to becoming a renowned artist, and the wisdom she wants to share with aspiring artists.

Longshore’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, Forbes, Women’s Wear Daily, just to name a few. She has also collaborated with massive brands such as Bergdorf Goodman, Gucci, Rolex, and many others. But Longshore didn’t initially start out as an artist—in fact, she majored in English Literature in college. It was during her college years that she discovered painting as a way to escape from her anxieties and express herself. She described the process of painting as providing her a sense of stillness, calmness, and joy.

She describes finding her role as an artist like falling in love, a joyful moment where she found that something that truly defined her. When it comes to her creative process, she has a good idea of what she wants to do, and then she pushes and plays with that idea. However, others weren’t as enthusiastic about her works. There were some who said that Longshore wasn’t marketable, and couldn’t find a gallery willing to host her. So she decided to create her own gallery and represent herself. Since then, she’s found her place selling on social media. She notes that her path isn’t right for everyone, but it certainly had its benefits for her.

Throughout the interview, she shared her wisdom that she has gained by being a professional creative. For budding artists and creatives, she urged them to be patient with themselves. “If you plant a seed today, you won’t get fruit tomorrow.” Her own young adult years were spent discovering what she enjoyed, and she shares that that process is important for an artist to find themselves. While cultivating professional relationships is an important component to an artist’s career, the most important relationship, Longshore says, is with yourself. It’s important to cultivate a positive self-talk and know that the right people are out there. It’s also up to the individual to define what success means to them. For Longshore, when she started out, it was making enough money to cover rent. Celebrating milestones, even if it’s as simple as finishing a piece, is part of what has helped Longshore keep the joy of painting alive.

She concludes the interview with an encouraging phrase she uses on social media: “The world does need you.”

If you would like to learn how to become a professional artist, check out the programs available at the Art Institutes by clicking here.