Check Out Chelsea Amato’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Amato

Hi Chelsea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Creativity has always been a part of my life and am a graphic designer by trade. I went to N.C. State University not knowing what I was doing, and stumbled upon the Graphic Design program. Graphic design really clicked for me as a major because it felt like a “reliable” way to make a living as an artist. I moved to New York after graduation for a job at the New Museum and was living my dream. I worked for different agencies and museums (MoMa, New Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art). Around year six I was struggling mentally and physically with the grind of the city.

I was stressed, depressed, and starved of nature. I started to draw three little plants per day to keep me going and connect me to the earth. During my darkest times, sketching served as a way to pull me out of my creative rut and to get me excited about an activity. The sketches on paper organically morphed into an embroidery format that developed into my art practice.

Now living in Durham NC, I work part-time at Fullsteam Brewery as their Creative Director, do freelance graphic design work, sell my art at markets, and practice energy work. Shifting from the 55 work week grind provided me with more energy to serve the collective.

My business is now an ecosystem of energy work, graphic design, and art – each informs and supports the other.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I spoke to this a bit in the previous question, but it was a struggle figuring out what worked best for me, how to find balance, and how to say no to projects/jobs that weren’t serving me. Burnout is real.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist, graphic designer, and energy worker with a focus on plants, social justice, and sustainability, based in Durham N.C.. I also do freelance work for Museums, The LGBTQ Center of Durham, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, and other folks or institutions whose values align with mine.
My art practice is a mix of botanical collages, illustrations, and embroideries. My works are meant to serve as a talisman, call to action, yet a reminder of a sense of place. I co-organize an art market at Omie’s Coffee, along with their owner and Pollinator Project.

I also run Arts & Drafts with my co-organizer Caroline Martin every Monday at Fullsteam. Arts & Drafts is a creative community meetup that believes in liberation for all. Folks can drop in and work on any creative project—crafting, mending, drawing, painting, sculpting, editing. We also provide materials and prompts for folks to write letters to their representatives.

I am so proud of my art markets. I love creating a little environment branded from the tablecloth to the signage and sharing the work from my soul. As an introvert, vending at markets feels like a more accessible way to connect with folks. I’m also proud to have designed the Carolina Hurricanes first ever pride jersey.

How do you define success?
Feeling fulfilled while meeting your basic needs. Finding the balance in your work and continuing to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chelseaamato.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___chelsea.rose___/
• Other: https://cargocollective.com/ChelseaAmato/

Image Credits
Stacey Sprenz https://www.staceysprenzphoto.com/
Josh Lavallee https://www.instagram.com/josh_lavallee/
Matia Guardabascio