Terry Runyan is a visual artist and creative encourager. After a long career as an in-house illustrator for Hallmark, Terry now runs her own business, creating art and videos, and leading classes at Skillshare to help others explore their creativity. She loves painting cats, cats on heads, big hair, and encouraging imperfectly perfect watercolour. She lives in Leawood, Kansas with her two creative cats, Tucker and Riley. She is also the author behind Draw 62 Animals and Make Them Cute, Draw 62 Characters and Make Them Cute, and Painting Happiness. We asked her a few questions about her creative process.

Quarto Creates: How did you first become interested in art?

Terry Runyan: Although I loved art as a child, as I got older I avoided it because of perfectionism and a fierce inner critic. I got reengaged in art when I was in my early 20s when I learned about a career in illustration. This jump started me creating full time again and I'm so glad I did! My real interest in art, for the joy of it, started much later while I was working for Hallmark. Now that I have my own art business, I create art for the fun of it rather than to impress someone else or get approval. This is freedom!

QC: What is your advice for those who want to try it but aren’t sure where to start?

TR: I think anyone who is interested in art should jump in and start creating with no expectations. Creativity will join you as you move forward. Even scribbling is a creative act and your art will develop from there, or anywhere you start, as you keep showing up to play. Creativity is our natural state!

QC: What artists do you look to for inspiration?

TR: I love so many artists it is challenging to name just a few. I'm very interested in artists that love what they are doing and have come to a point where the act of creating is enough. Those that emphasize the process of creating as opposed to the outcome. Art is such a present moment activity and a great way to practice mindfulness and engagement in the now.

QC: What is the biggest challenge you face while working on an art project?

TR: I still deal with perfectionism and the inner critic whenever I create. The difference is now I see them for what they are, habits and conditioning, and I don't let those voices stop me. Thoughts are fleeting and I don't engage with these old ideas when they pop up like I used to. Seeing them for what they are, without engaging, allows them to float through more quickly while I continue creating.

QC: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from creating?

TR: Creativity has shown me that every moment is new and fresh and anything is possible.  It has taught me not to take my old habit thoughts seriously and opened me to the mystery of what may show up as I put brush to paper.

Learn more about Terry's work on her website, terryrunyan.com and on Instagram @terryrunyan.