Yvette Crocker, Artist and Fashion Illustrator

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YVETTE CROCKER, ARTIST AND FASHION ILLUSTRATOR

ARTIST & JEWELRY DESIGNER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”https://www.facebook.com/yvettecrockerart” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/floeticpainter” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/yvettecrocker_artist” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3116″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Yvette Crocker is  globally recognized for her work in ESSENCE magazine.  She is a self-taught visual artist and jewelry designer. A native of Washington, DC, she left her place of employment in 2002 and pursued a career in fine art.  She taught herself to paint and never looked back. Yvette is a quintessential artist and has crafted and expanded her talents into multiple avenues to display her creative gifts – the first being her vivid and unique paintings which are primarily influenced by African American women, love, life, fashion and music. Her original paintings appear on richly grained panels of wood. Yvette is best known for her use of bold color and mixed media.

Yvette is an independent, self taught artist and jewelry designer. She stepped out on faith 15 years ago, taught herselff to paint and pursued a career in fine art. About 5 years ago, Yvette took her love for creating a step further and started making wearable art otherwise known as jewelry. She had no idea that after making custom jewelry for the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and her daughters her life would change. Yvette worked for ESSENCE Magazine for three years as their “Horoscope Artist.”  Her recent accomplishments includeds a runway show for New York Fashion Week (NYFW). She does not have a clear view of where this creative journey is going to take her but she is ready to strap on her seatbelt.

I would like to expand my brand.  My strategy is to work hard and speak it into existence.  It’s worked for me thus far.  I am living proof that all things are possible.

This week, Yvette takes us deeper in to her journey in business and the future her art and brand.

What inspired your journey into business?
My desire to create inspired my journey.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I absolutely had to quit my job in order to become an artist. It was not possible for me to work and be creative at the same time. I tried and I could not do it. Art is not a thing, it is a way.

What are your biggest fears?
I never want to get too comfortable or big headed. I always to stay humble, appreciative and gracious.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
My clients and fans keep me motivated. 100%

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked past them? 
I get overwhelmed very easily. lol I need to get an assistant. Period.

What’s been most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of this business is making people happy. It’s the most amazing feeling in the world to know that something you created made someone smile.

Who were you before you started your business?
I was a shell of a person before my business. Just doing what I thought was expected of me. I was so very unhappy.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I wouldn’t change not 1 thing. The struggle is what made me appreciative and humble and driven.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
I can’t live without my MAC. Not sure if this addresses your question. lol

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
Being honest and being myself. When they realize they can trust you, the sky is the limit. People want to know who they are supporting. I have found that simply being myself has been the key to my success.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see my work in major department stores in 5 years.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

1. Stay humble
2. Stay focused.
3. Don’t listen to the naysayers

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