Meet Julie Vornholt | Muralist and Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Vornholt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There was really no other choice in my mind for a career path. As a toddler I told everyone that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up and I am fortunate enough to have parents that really cultivated that dream. Growing up, I still wanted to be an artist; I had the ability to create so I didn’t see a reason to do anything else. I loved it. I discovered you could go to college for art and I jumped at the opportunity to learn and practice as much as I could and from there I just kept going. If I can make money doing this, there’s nothing I would rather do. Even if I don’t always make money! It’s always been my only option and passion.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My background is in more traditional oil painting which I believe gives me a different view point from a lot of muralists. Many muralists I know and admire have a graphic design background and can create these beautiful designs that then get blown up and painted larger. I don’t think the design process comes as easily to me, the initial sketches for clients are the part I dislike the most to be honest. My best work is created as I paint on the wall, not following an outline, which can be freeing but also difficult at times. I free hand all of my work which gives me creative freedom and that’s the part I enjoy the most, not having to follow an exact plan and letting my hands guide. This level of freedom is why I enjoy painting floral designs and the continuous line designs. They are so organic and the shapes can be really fluid.

Getting to this point in my career was not easy, but when is it ever? I moved to Wisconsin after graduating, leaving behind any contacts I had. I knew I wanted to move and it would be harder than staying in a city where people at least knew who I was as an artist. I felt that I got lucky when a local coffee shop found me on Instagram and needed a mural artist. From there they liked what I did and my popularity grew with theirs. Having your name on the wall of crowded shop is really great for business! However, I didn’t actually make money until a few years after leaving college. That is really hard on a marriage and overall condition of living. But I have been so supported by my family that I was allowed to focus on painting and connecting with businesses and people around me. I am extremely introverted, so trying to meet people, introduce myself, and connect is one of the things that I struggle with and really have to push myself. I feel that artists tend to want to create in solitude but to make it a business, there’s a lot more interacting.

I’ve learned that a good therapist and anxiety medication can really help! I struggle with a lot of anxiety which interferes with creating a business. I learned how to paint and hone my skills as an artist typically alone in a studio, but I knew virtually nothing about running a business, which is terrifying. I began learning everything on my own with a lot of trial and a lot of error. But working on managing anxiety has opened doors for me to reach out to the community around me. I met a handful of female owned small businesses that we can relate and lean on each other. Before I began therapy, I would have been too scared to socialize and meet strangers. I would be way to scared to introduce myself to business owners and ask if they’ve considered a mural. It’s a lot of putting yourself out there when I mostly want to be alone and paint. It’s a difficult balance that I’m navigating but luckily have some great people to help.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is such a great question! I would start at my house, settle them into the tiny renovated barn I live in and make sure they pet my corgi. That’s very important. I live in Madison, WI and I think it’s the most beautiful city. We are surrounded by two large lakes so we would definitely be taking the kayaks out and paddling to some of the paddle up bars, yes that exists! I personally try to spend as much time on the water as my schedule allows. I don’t relax easily but kayaking with my dogs and husband always does the trick.

Beer is a huge part of the culture up here so breweries are a must! Downtown Madison has ample patio seating for drinks and food and its very green here. Absolute beautiful place to sit outside. My husband in a rock climbing instructor, so we will most likely drive to the near by state parks and give that a go if my adventurous friends are the ones visiting. So overall, lots of outdoor time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents and husband deserve all of the shoutouts I can give. As a child I knew I wanted to be an artist, but kids say they want to be artists or dolphin trainers or princesses all the time and aren’t always taken seriously. But my parents supported that dream from the beginning. Gifts were always art supplies and how to books, after school activities were art classes. My colored pencil drawings of pears were framed and hung up. My parents defended my choice to go to college for painting to anyone that voiced their negative opinion. There was a lot of “What’s your backup plan?” “Are you going to just teach?” “How do you make money doing that?”.

Almost everyone I talked to about seriously pursuing art had something negative to say, but never my parents and for that I am forever grateful. I know so many people don’t get that kind of support and that is heartbreaking.

My husband is also a huge supporter of mine. We met while I was in art school and got married once I graduated and had no job. He knew from the beginning I was going to be self employed and money would be tight until I could get established. He was the emotional and financial support of my adult life. I truly would not have been able to pursue my dreams if he wasn’t there to help pay rent, package up canvases for shipping, build me a studio, and spend his days cleaning and making sure I’m fed.

Website: www.julievornholt.com

Instagram: @julie.vornholt.art

Facebook: J. Vornholt