Artist Profile: Lilada Gee

Lilada Gee is an artist, healer, author, international speaker, life coach and podcast host. Drawing upon her own experiences as a survivor of both childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence, Lilada founded a non-profit organization, Defending Black Girlhood (DBG). DBG is committed to insuring that Black girls are safe in their homes, schools and faith communities to live, learn and be loved.

1) What are challenges you've encountered to being a "creativepreneur" (aka: being able to generate a viable income as an artist)?

The fact that income from creations is very unpredictable. And because of that, it’s hard to make a budget around potential profits. One art show you may sell $500, the next $0. You have learn to be prudent with your money. 

2) Share 2-3 tips for artists on how to cultivate connections which will help them promote themselves and their work.

Make a virtual community of artists online. Instagram is a great place to build relationships among other artists. Facebook art groups as well. You can learn a lot from others in your industry such as by going to creative events in your city. And attending networking socials with people who are not in your industry that may need the services and/or products you offer. 

3) How do you continually discover new artistic inspiration?

I follow other artists to check out their work. I also take classes to grow as an artist. I draw all the time. Practice may not make perfect, but it certainly makes you better! 

4) Give an example of an "artistic collaboration" you've been involved with which had a significant impact on the local community.

The magnificent project that I was recently involved with was the Black Lives Matter Mural Project in Madison. I was part of a multigenerational team of Black female artists. It was fabulous working alongside those creative ladies, as well as the community of artists who were a part of the project as a whole.