Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Maupin.
Hi Caitlin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, a little bit about me I’m Caitlin, an East Tennessee native with a passion for all things art! From age 5, I was always seen with a pencil in hand, doodling on whatever spare paper I could find. I quickly fell in love with creating in any form. This was my haven. Intending to become an art teacher starting college, I realized there were other ways I could be an advocate for creatives and myself at the same time. I combined my love for drawing and painting with my newfound interest in graphic design. The process of branding, designing, and bringing art into unusual spaces is what intrigued me most. As a senior in college, I entered a mural competition through Johnson City Public Art. From this, my design was chosen to be painted on the front of The Mall of Johnson City. This was my first large-scale mural (50ft x 25ft), and I have been hooked ever since! Since that initial start in 2020, I have painted over a dozen murals, ranging from Chattanooga, TN, to Abingdon, VA. In addition to murals, I began my work in Live Event Painting. I spend most of my weekends attending weddings, where I am hired to paint the newlywed couple and have guests watch! I focus on helping feed art into everyday spaces in both of these areas. My work aims to end the stigma behind art and artists. I want to show a side of artistry that applies to anyone.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every creative knows it takes a journey to find where you feel you belong. Me, I pushed through a lot of boundaries to build my sense of style. I’ve had many long nights painting in cold temperatures, learning how to operate boom lifts, and creating contracts to show the importance of art to the public. As an artist and a young woman in a new career field, I often felt like I needed to prove myself. I want to say the more I push myself to try new things, the more I fall in love with what I do. Getting out of my comfort zone is where I find my creativity.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a girl of many hats. I would call myself a Freelance Artist and Entrepreneur. I specialize in Murals, Graphic Design, and Live Painting!
I am most known for my large-scale mural work in East TN/SWVA. Here is where you can find a few I am proud of most:
-The Mall of Johnson City, TN
-Hampton Inn, Abingdon, VA
-Damascus Outfitters, Damascus, VA
-EBM Papst, Johnson City, TN
-Salvation Army, Johnson City, TN
What do I bring to the table for businesses?
My goal is to use art as continuous branding! I love turning a company’s mission into a visual piece of art for the community to relate with. On top of that, Live Wedding Painting has turned from a hobby to a full business! Live painting is a unique entertainment for your guests, but more importantly, the painting that is created will be a keepsake from your wedding that will last a lifetime. Many of the couples that book with me turn into friends after! My interest in working with clients to create artwork sets me apart from others. I take pride in being thorough until my work is perfected. Most artists hone in on a specific medium or skill, but I find joy in all art forms.
We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
The opportunity to be featured on The Amazon Prime Series, The College Tour, gave me the confidence I needed as a young artist. I was featured as a representative for the art community at my alma mater, East Tennessee State University. Having a chance to talk about my experiences on such a large platform helped pave the path I am on now. It took using that same confidence that pushed me to lean on my skills as a 21-year-old college graduate. Now, at 24, I feel an empowering sense of community around me. Each mural I design or wedding I paint has led me to other creatives who are just as passionate as I am!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colormecaitlin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colormecaitlinart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-maupin-3a9124181?trk=people-guest_people_search-card
Image Credits
Haley Lynn Photography
