Lindsey Spears

October 2024 Issue
Lowcountry Originals

Photography (top) by
Cassidy Dunn Photography

Lindsey Spears 
Art: Murals and Live Event Painting 
Career: Professional artist 
Current Residence: Bluffton
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Family: Husband Kaleb Spears; two sons: Danny and Myles 

When and how did you discover your artistic talent? How and/or why did you choose this medium? What do you love about it?
I have always had a love for art, from bringing my sketchbook to the park as a kid to taking AP art classes in high school, it was definitely a constant for me. I never dreamed of turning that passion into a career, I just assumed it would be a side endeavor. However, as life unfolded, I found myself constantly drawn to it until I eventually decided to make the jump into a full-time pursuit. I have never looked back! 

As a “creative” you are unique. What makes you the most YOU?
One word that would not only describe my unique style but also me as a person is colorful! I’m constantly complimented on my color composition and asked how I choose my color schemes. Honestly, it has never been something I had to learn or really think about. The colors and ideas flow so easily into my head, the biggest struggle I have is not having enough time or energy to artistically pursue them all.

I also think a defining feature for my artwork and myself, as a whole, would be my love for nature. I originally dreamed of working with animals and studied zoology before working at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. It was hard to walk away from that dream to go after art, but I’ve found ways to combine these passions! I’ve been lucky enough to return to the zoo to do art during nature lectures, paint exhibits at animal rescues and shelters, and also incorporate plants and animals into the majority of my pieces. I have found when I’m passionate about what I’m painting, I produce some of my best work. It’s no surprise that some of my favorite projects have been animal-based. 

What artist inspires or influences you?
There are too many amazing artists to choose just one, but artists of the past have made me view my work differently. Historically, artist have been referred to as “starving” because a career path in art was never viewed as a path to success. Most renowned artists were not even appreciated in their time, only gaining recognition and fame after their deaths. This made me think on my own work and how artists of the past would sacrifice so much for their passions to create for themselves.

It is so easy to get lost in the hustle of gaining followers, making sales, and furthering careers, I think it’s important to step back and look at your accomplishments through the lens of the past. Being able to support yourself, being successful in your own right and time, and loving what you do is already such an amazing success story; it’s something people dream of. 

When people hear about what you do, what is the No. 1 question you get asked?
People want to know how I got into my job and what training I have. Most people are surprised to learn I have no formal art training outside of high school. While I’ve reached a point in my career where I consistently have clients contacting me for projects and jobs, when I was first getting started, I chased every available lead I could. I reached out to places about painting murals and posted on Facebook wedding groups about wanting to live paint ceremonies. I practically exhausted every avenue for growing my art business. So often people just wait for opportunity to fall into their laps, but most of my big breaks came from me actively pursuing them.

What the biggest challenge you’ve overcome? Did your art help you through?
Not being afraid to be uncomfortable is underrated. The first mural I painted, I was having a low-key panic attack the entire time, and it took many live painting events for me to finally feel confident and comfortable in that setting. Without embracing those uncomfortable and awkward feelings that comes with trying something new, I wouldn’t have the successful career I have today.