Tell Me All About It: Q&A with Erin Cassidy

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Erin Cassidy--Denver-based graphic designer, "photoshop ninja," and the fabulous woman behind one of my favorite blogs, artsocial. 

After following Erin's blog for a while and getting to know her quirky personality through her writing, here are a few of the [many] things that made me want to learn more about her: She quit her day job to work for herself/pursue her dreams (yes!), she has a Master's degree in Art History (so she knows her art!), she has a fabulous design aesthetic, she's all about rejoicing in happiness, and she's always introducing me to amazing new artists. What's not to love? 

So, lets learn more about Erin, shall we? 

Why did you start blogging? Why have you continued to do so? 
I started blogging as my creative outlet. I was working at a not-so-inspiring 9-5 at the time and feeling really stuck and unfulfilled. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do professionally, but I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to be creative - and my own boss! After blogging for a few months, I knew I wanted to do it professionally... it took a few more months, okay a year, before I had enough courage to make the leap to blogging full time!

If you could study under anyone for a year, who would it be?
Oh this is such a good question! As a blogger & graphic designer, I'd have to say Bri Emery of designlovefest. Her creativity and journey as an entrepreneur is such an inspiration to me.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Quitting my 9-5 job, haha. It was such a difficult thing for me to do. I've always been very traditional and "followed the rules" so when I realized my dream was to work for myself, I was equal parts excited and absolutely terrified. Leaving a steady job is scary! I'm proud of myself for being terrified and going for it anyways. 

What's your biggest guilty pleasure?
Cupcakes. Especially because they're so dang cute on instagram... so maybe my guilty pleasure is instagram :)

What's your biggest dream for fall?
Ooh let's see, I recently launched graphic design services. This fall I'd love to connect with more amazing solopreneurs and help them take their biz up a notch with amazing graphics. I'm beyond excited about this new direction for artsocial. Hooray for new adventures, eh?

If you were exiled to a desert island and could only bring 3 things, what would they be?
Omigosh I love this question! Clearly, number 1 is chapstick and number 2 is sunscreen. I'm Irish, I'd last maybe 2 hours without sunscreen. Can number 3 be my boyfriend? He'd be much better than me in a survival situation... plus he watches Survivorman with Les Stroud a lot.

If you could give one piece of advice to new bloggers or those wanting to take the plunge and start their own business, what would it be?
Really listen to your instincts. There's a tendency to look at what everyone else is doing to succeed and want to follow in their footsteps, but what works for someone else won't necessarily work for you. It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing. What do YOU really want? Listen to those intuitive nudges, they'll always lead you to the right thing.

How do you try to live a mindful life?
Meditation. Also, simply checking in with myself throughout the day. Am I feeling overwhelmed? Am I getting annoyed easily? I try to be aware of my moods and consciously make an effort to enjoy the moment... and not take things so seriously!

Words of wisdom you live by?
Oh I have so many quotes I love!! Here are 3 of my faves:

1. There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. -Anaïs Nin
2. If I embrace who I am it will open doors not shut them. - Devon Franklin
3. Pursue excellence, ignore success. - Deepak Chopra

Biggest inspiration?
Seeing people follow their passion - especially when it's an unconventional path. Alexandra Franzen, Bri Emery, Tiffany Han, Marie Forleo - all of these women have built up some amazing & unique businesses. I'm endlessly inspired by them!

[All images courtesy of Erin Cassidy]

Isn't she inspiring? I can't get enough of all of these fabulous women who are just putting themselves out there, following their dreams and making it happen (!!!!). Yay!

Want to learn more about Erin? Check out the following links:

• Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Instagram

Have an inspiring week, everyone!