Life & Work with Bailey McVicker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey McVicker.

Hi Bailey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey began when I started high school. I enrolled in the introductory art classes that my school offered and instantly fell in love. I knew right away that I wanted to be able to create art full time one day. When it came time to start thinking about college, I had many people tell me that art would not pay the bills and that it was not a practical career choice. I was told that I should pick a path that was reliable, but still allowed me to be creative. So that is what I did.

I began college as a graphic design major and later changed to an interior design major. After switching majors for a third time to communication studies, I realized that I would not be happy unless I was following my true passion. So in the spring of 2022, I took the leap of faith to leave college and begin my path to becoming a full-time artist. Art by Bailey McVicker became an official business six months later! As of now, I am pursuing art part-time, and allowing my business to grow organically. I am grateful to say that my path is still forming every day, and I am so excited to see where it takes me!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road thus far has been a little bumpy. There have been people who did not believe in me, and at first, I didn’t believe in myself.

It takes a lot of time, money, and dedication to build anything from the ground up. But I also believe that if I continue to work hard, it will pay off, even more than it already has. I know there will still be struggles and challenges, but usually, the best things do.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My favorite medium to work with is acrylic paint! I love using bright colors, lots of layers, and strong highlights and shadows. Nearly all of my pieces tell some kind of story from my own life experiences. Whether it be a positive moment or a negative one, there can be beauty found in all of it. I love to create landscape scenes that have a whimsical, dream-like twist, that shows lots of emotion and depth.

When I create these pieces, I have found joy in using only my hands… no paintbrushes! I believe that I am becoming most known for the emotion and storytelling that goes into each painting that I create. I hope that my work is there for people to connect with and relate to so that they can see their own stories within it. I hope that they can learn something about themselves within it.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think almost all artists can agree that one of the most important lessons to learn when creating is to trust the process! If something does not go the way you hoped, don’t give up!

Keep trying new techniques! Allow yourself to surrender to the creative process! Find freedom in the journey, and the art will create itself!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @artbybaileymcvicker
• Facebook: Art by Bailey McVicker

Image Credits
Brooke Bahde Photography