Meet Courtney Blazon | Artist and Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Blazon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance has been one of the biggest challenges for me, like so many creative people. Since taking the leap thirteen years ago to being a full time artist, I have been consumed by my work, both as a passion and as a business. There was a feeling for me that if I didn’t put in all my waking hours in pursuit of my career, then if I failed, it would be because I didn’t give it my all. My idea at the time was that I would give 1000% and then, should I not be able to sustain myself as an artist, at least I’d given it everything I had. That hard work and constant hustle became such a habit, a second skin in a way, that untangling myself from it has become a new phase in my career, once I was able to feel established and secure with myself as an artist. In a way, the pandemic was a forced course in work life balance. After years of sacrificing sleep and general health so I could both work 16+ hours a day and also hang out with friends at night, I found that I was able to reinvent that way that I thought about my work and the ways in which it had been running me ragged for over a decade. Gone were the social obligations and art openings, as well as the desperate need to hustle, so that time became time to reflect and think more clearly about the burnout I was truly feeling. Now, as we’ve emerged from the worst of the pandemic, I have a stronger desire to maintain my new work life balance, mainly in the aspect of making sure I get enough sleep every night, a habit that I can never turn my back on now that I’ve experienced what it does for me, It’ll always be a struggle for me to balance work and life, as I work from home—and my main passion is my job—but I’ve discovered some ways to create a slightly more balanced life, and for that I am grateful.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think that what sets me apart from others is my style. I think no matter what piece of art I do, it’s extremely evident that it is mine, based on my style of drawing, my use of colors and the themes I explore.

I am most proud of the exhibition I did for the Missoula Art Museum in 2016 called “The Year without a Summer”, a huge project that tackled a historical event which took place in 1815. It was a massive undertaking, and one of the hardest and most satisfying experiences of my career thus far. I am looking forward to the next massive project I can undertake.

I got to where I am today by working very hard, pushing myself every single day, by showing up at 100% for all my projects, by behaving professionally and by being friendly and open minded as much as possible. It hasn’t been easy, but I have been privileged to be embraced by my community and that’s made a huge difference to my success.

One of the main lessons I’ve learned is that the other qualities you show as a professional (consistency, fairness, organization, humbleness, etc.) are far more important than the level of your talent. To be an artist professionally requires a business mind and a perspective on your place in the world, and that doesn’t always align with the artist spirit. Finding that balance is extremely important. And difficult.

I want the world to know that dedication and authenticity can help you succeed, and I am evidence of that. I’ve always stayed true to my own style and vision no matter who I am working with, and that has given me the happiness that I require as a working artist. I also think it’s really important to know that being a working artist isn’t glamorous, not really, and it doesn’t guarantee you any level of fame or notoriety. Let the fulfillment of being an artist come from within, rather than from outside accolades. That can keep you honest and humble!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Clyde Coffee—best coffee in town and I am obsessed with the cheese grits.

Antique mall—one of my fave places to go and lose myself in the four floors of amazing old stuff. Full of stories and treasures.

Montgomery Distillery—for my money, the best cocktails in town.

Hike Waterworks—easy hike that overlooks the city. It’s incredible In the spring when the flowers are in bloom.

Gild Brewing’s Arcade—in the basement there’s a whole room full of vintage arcade games and pinball machines. Total blast.

Missoula Art Museum/Radius Gallery/Montana Museum of Art and Culture— one of these things that makes Missoula special is the quality of the art. These are some of the best spots to see art in town.

Ear Candy Music—best spot for records in town.

Roxy Theater—independent movie theater with an awesome line-up of movies and delicious organic popcorn (with real butter)!

Green Source: Best place for a healthy, delicious lunch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to dedicate this shoutout to my mom. From the time I picked up a crayon and started to show excitement about drawing, she used her limited financial means to get me art supplies, send me to afterschool art lessons, and truly nurture me as a budding artist. I am sure she knew before I even knew that I was going to art school after high school, and she was my biggest champion, always making me feel like I could do whatever I set my mind to. Even now, as an adult, she is a my biggest support and sounding board. I honestly couldn’t have gotten as far without her and her daily cheerleading.

Website: www.courtneyblazon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyblazon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cblazon

Image Credits
Image Credit for Personal Photo: Mandy Mohler/Field Guide Designs