08 - Art & Success: A Conversation with Kristin Cronic

Jun 20

Listen in on my chat with Kristin Cronic—a dear friend, client, artist, educator, and mentor (what doesn’t she do?!) as she tells us about her exciting artistic journey.

As a retired US Naval Academy officer turned successful artist, Kristin navigated the art world without formal education early on and later earned her Master’s in Fine Art. She now runs multiple art businesses, educates and mentors artists, has had her art acquired by a museum, and has had her first book, “A Midshipman’s Journey,” published.

Kristin candidly shares about her journey, and the challenges she faced early on in her career. The conversation deep-dives into the concept of the “sold out in a flash” art collection: what that meant back then and what it means now that she’s experienced it. Reflecting on her personal experiences, Kristin dispels the myth of instant success and explains why she's grateful that she didn't sell out her art collections immediately at the beginning of her career.

About Kristin

Kristin’s work often explores the journeys of adventure and rest we take as humans, and relationships that shape our lives. She is inspired by nature, people watching, and color, with a total soft spot for the Impressionists. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Kristin began her art journey painting at night while serving as an officer in the United States Navy. Becoming a mother in 2016 was the impetus for changing her life’s direction, and she has dedicated herself to a regular studio practice ever since. She earned her MFA in Visual Art from Jacksonville University in 2022 and now gets to spend a little bit of each week teaching drawing to undergrad students alongside her regular studio practice. Kristin lives and works in Jacksonville, FL with her husband, three children, and Doberman-Shepherd.