Inside Look is a new series on GirlsGuideTo.com that showcases real women and their careers. We’re digging in and they’re dishing out “What It’s Really Like” to have their job, build a career, and reach success in their field. 

Our first EVER Inside Look guest is a rising star of the contemporary art world, Natasha Wescoat. Her signature style has gained the attention of schools and Hollywood, and has created a distinct brand with an ever-growing fan base worldwide. She licenses her brands worldwide for a variety of products including home decor, jewelry, and other merchandise. Natasha’s works grace over 1000 private and corporate collections worldwide and has garnered a devoted following by collectors of all ages. She has accomplished all of this at the age of just 27 and was gracious enough to fill us in on how she got here.

Why did you choose this as your career?

From a very young age, I wanted to do something that would be wholly and completely mine. I never wanted to really work for anyone, and when it came to art, it was like a force of life that I couldn't ignore. I really wanted to be in creative business no matter what that was. Because it excited me, it empowered me, and it gave me a way to express myself and create a world around me that I truly wanted.

How did you get started?

I was 22 when I officially launched my online business. I had $130 on hand, and used that for supplies, website costs, and listing fees for auctions. I used my savvy to design my site and began to brand my name and start networking with groups online that I had found.

How did you end up where you are today?

I ended up here because I gave it 110%, working long hours, contacting any and all people who could be of benefit to my business, networking with others in the field I am in, and consistently working to make things happen. I did it all on cash, no funds, no credit, and no outside help.

What are the biggest perks about your job?

I can choose my hours, stop when I want to, make my own decisions, and travel. And it helps my creativity to be spontaneous. I thrive on that.

Biggest drawbacks?

Not everyone should do this on their own. I have to do all the jobs that should be given to mostly others. Doing a business strictly on cash is difficult and risky. There can be spontaneous problems that arrive, hidden costs, and you will need to be careful how you spend your earnings. Not everything is yours to keep and you will pay high taxes for being self-employed if you do not incorporate from the beginning.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about people with your profession?

That they are flighty, uneducated, and can't make a living. There are hundreds of artists and creative businesses that are very successful doing what they do. And it's not all painting. People think that if you are an artist you paint stuff and put it in a gallery. There are many avenues: illustration work, licensing for merchandise or fine art prints, cartooning, comics, commercial work for magazines or etc. You don't just have to sell paintings. You can do ANYTHING.

Name 3 characteristics a person must have to be successful in your field.

1. Hard exterior. You will get rejected over and over and over in this field for many reasons. Don't take it personally. It's business. Keep creating the work you want (or what sells) and hustle. Ask for references. Talk to galleries. Get your name out there.

2. Organization. Without this your finances will crumble and the art business will fail. Be prepared for expenses, supplies, and legal issues.

3. Artistic skills and a niche. Without talent, you can NOT sell your work. End of story. If you don't have skills and you don't have talent, you can't make it. You CAN work on your skills. Take classes and/or teach yourself how to do creative methods better so that you can create better work. Also knowing what your specific style of work is IS everything. Find your niche, and you will know where to advertise and promote your work.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment? I don't think I've reached that yet. Maybe being able to live on the income I make from selling my work and licensing is my biggest accomplishment so far. But my art has been on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the movie Marley & Me, and I have schools worldwide that are learning about my art and being taught how to do what I do. Thats amazing and surreal to me.

In ten years, where do you see yourself?

I see myself working more in the fine art field. My art will be in more galleries and I will be working in bigger things like television and film. Don't know how, but I will. I can see it.

What’s a typical day like for you in your job?

I wake up, get ready for my day, start in the office and check on emails, my social media sites for messages and figure out what has sold since the night before. I compile my list of orders and get prints and merchandise packed and ready to ship. I head into my studio later to paint some pieces that will go up for auction that evening, any commissions on the list, and some pieces for special events. Then at the end of the day, I talk with my friends/colleagues on Twitter, check my emails for the second time as well as messages...and try to call it a day.

Best piece of advice you’d give to other women your age about life.

The world is open wide for you if you are willing to look for the doors. They are EVERYWHERE. No matter where you are in life financially, emotionally, or physically - you can make things happen. Whether its college or business, you can find things to help feed your mind and give you the knowledge to make your dreams happen. The internet is a good place to start looking. I've found every answer I've needed to find ways to make anything happen. College is possible. Building a business is possible. Finding and meeting people are easier and safer than ever.

What are your favorite hotspots? (ie: vacation spots, cities, restaurants, whatever)

My favorite places to visit are Kissimmee, Florida (I LOVE DISNEY WORLD) and Celebration, Seattle, Washington, and soon to be Los Angeles and New York City. My favorite places to eat are Don Pablos, dives and diners, Chinese and Indian restaurants, and fancy small town cuisine. I love social media and technology and videoblog, blog, and network often online. I'm a fan of videogames and love to play RPGs like Everquest and World of Warcraft. I'm part geek, part fashionista, part techie, part artsy, I guess, in a nutshell.

To learn more about Natasha check out her website: http://www.natashawescoat.com or follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/natashawescoat