ARTIST FEATURE: Caroline Friend

Your journey into digital art began during the pandemic while studying theatre. How has your background in theatre influenced your visual art?

The main thing I really love about my art is the control I have over everything. I get to choose what to draw, when to draw, and what colors to use. With acting, there are a lot of times when you have to relinquish control. You don’t always get to choose what parts you play, or even if you get seen in the audition room. I think experiencing the culture of acting and theatre really pushed me towards doing my own art.

You mention a love for pink, cats, and cuteness. How do these elements manifest in your artwork, and what draws you to them?

As someone who had dozens of webkinz in 2008, I have always had a passion for cute animals. I think there is a real need right now for cute art, softness, and coziness. It’s almost like an escape from all the terrible things constantly happening in the world. I think it’s really important for there to be encouraging, playful, colorful art, especially on apps like Instagram, which can so often be full of terrible content.

After taking a break to focus on your studies, you relaunched your art career in 2024. What inspired your return, and how has your perspective on art changed since your initial foray?

After moving to Chicago in 2022, I slipped into a depression. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, and I kind of felt purposeless. One week I was really in need of extra money, and I started selling my paintings off my walls on Facebook marketplace. I was selling them for $20 a piece, and it felt like I was winning the lottery every time someone bought my art. I realized that I actually do have a gift for art, and that people will actually buy it.

My perspective on art is a little different now, as I know for sure that this will be what I do with my life. I think there’s a lot more excitement now, as I feel like there’s endless opportunities for me, because I have complete control. I still feel imposter syndrome and anxiety sometimes, but I have also grown a lot since 2020. I am more confident in my abilities, but also recognize I am literally always growing and learning.

Your art has evolved over time as you’ve found your style. Can you describe that evolution and what factors have influenced it?

Finding my style felt very natural and very challenging at the same time. I still feel like it is evolving. I look back at art I did even one month ago and I see things I would do differently now. My art is inspired by literally everything—my cat, myself, my thoughts, my therapist, and of course all the other art in the world. Often times the art that I make is a reflection of how I am feeling in that exact moment, or it includes a phrase that I really need to hear. I think that’s why it connects with people; they probably need to hear it too.

Balancing art with other life commitments can be challenging. How do you manage your time and maintain creativity amidst other responsibilities?

This is a topic I discuss weekly with my therapist. I am still figuring it out. Being an artist is so strange, because once it becomes a “full time job” it can be extremely draining and take the fun out of making art. But working a job on top of doing art can do the same thing. So I guess it’s just a balancing act of trying to keep myself the least amount of stressed as possible. I work part time at a cafe on top of doing my art, and that’s working for me right now.

Just the other day I was experiencing major burnout after a really busy week, and my boyfriend advised me to take a few days completely off from art. I was super hesitant because there is ALWAYS something I could be doing. But I took a few days off, and it worked like magic. Rest is literally the key.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your art career, and are there new mediums or themes you’re excited to explore?

I really want to get back into painting. I think there is something so special about a unique painting that can’t be replicated by digital art. I also would love to take an art class, as the last one I took was in high school. There are so many things I want to learn.

I have so many goals and dreams I don’t know if I could fit them all here. Things as simple as getting a new IPad with more storage because the one I have is always full and it annoys me. And things as big as having my own storefront in downtown Omaha where I sell cute art. But I guess for now, my goal is to do more art and perhaps make (kind of) a living from it.