Hello, art fam! In this week’s episode of the ‘Art + Audience’ podcast, Stacie had the pleasure of chatting with the talented Ashley Paggi, the creative force behind Ash Cascade Design. Ashley shared her inspiring journey from being a stay-at-home mom and graphic designer to a thriving surface pattern designer. However, what stood out the most was her candid discussion about a significant hiccup early in her career. Let’s dive into the lessons learned from Ashley’s licensing lapse and how it shaped her path to success.
Ashley Paggi began her artistic journey in 2020. Transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to a surface pattern designer, Ashley has successfully turned her passion for art into a flourishing business that supports her family. Based in Oregon, her designs reflect the gritty, muted beauty of the high desert. Her work is characterized by hearty florals with thorns and ashy hues, a direct mirror of her environment.
Ashley’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity. She believes in sharing her story intentionally and selectively, allowing her audience to connect deeply with her journey without oversharing. This approach has helped her build a dedicated and supportive following. Her audience knows her story and supports her because of her genuine and relatable online presence.
In the podcast episode, Ashley opened up about a licensing misstep that almost derailed her early in her career. She landed a dream client and was thrilled to start a promising collaboration. However, she skipped a crucial step: having her contract reviewed by a lawyer. Initially, the partnership went smoothly, but over time, Ashley noticed discrepancies. Her name was missing from the products and the company’s website, despite verbal assurances that it would be included.
The real challenge came when she discovered the company had used her designs in new colorways she had never approved. This was a violation of their agreement, as she had been paid a flat fee based on specific designs. Despite her initial hesitation, Ashley bravely decided to address the issue directly.
Ashley’s response to this challenge is a powerful lesson for all artists. Instead of walking away, she chose to confront the issue. She sent a detailed email to the company, explaining the importance of proper usage and acknowledgment of her art. Her calm, professional approach led to a positive outcome: the company retroactively paid her for the additional use of her designs.
Ashley’s experience has made her more confident in contract negotiations. She now ensures all future agreements are comprehensive, covering potential future uses of her artwork. This foresight protects her interests and ensures her art is represented correctly.
Ashley Paggi’s story is a reminder that mistakes are part of the journey. They are opportunities to learn, grow, and become stronger. By sharing her experience, Ashley encourages other artists to face their fears and pursue their creative dreams with confidence.
For more insights and inspiration, follow Ashley on Instagram at @ash_cascade_design and visit her website at ashcascade.com.
We hope Ashley’s story inspires you to embrace your creative journey, learn from your mistakes, and never shy away from advocating for your art. Share your own stories of growth and resilience with us. Let’s support each other in turning our artistic passions into thriving businesses!
Resources: In-Depth Contract Walk-Through with Jason Aquilino
