Today we’d like to introduce you to Turtle Eller.
Hi Turtle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a child, I didn’t fully understand how to express how I felt. I was taught by my psychiatrist and elementary art teacher how to explain myself through the strokes of a paint brush, the colors within a piece and so on and so forth. This made me blossom as a human being. I didn’t fully comprehend my talent until I was 15. I sold my first original to a family in Arkansas. I was told by the mom that her son came across my work and said, “This is how I feel. Exactly how I feel.”. He had tried to take his own life a year prior and my artwork helped guide him through the emotions that made him feel that way. I now am dedicated to my craft to ensure to help other victims of their own minds.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Being raised in central Georgia as an artist is not ideal because many tell you that you’re not going to make it anywhere in life. I don’t sell much work at home due to the ‘provocative’ and ‘mature’ nature of my style. I then got an offer to SCAD and the journey at school alone with financial struggles has been stressful, but nonetheless I am here and improving my skills as an artist and overall a human being.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently a Junior at SCAD for a BFA in Illustration. I specialize in colored pencil, acrylic and charcoal work. Although I can do other mediums, these are by far my favorite. I would say I’m known for my unique name but also my unique style. I try to portray a story within my subjects, color schemes and different materials used within my work. With this, I have brought many peace within not only grief but also their own personal struggles. I’m most proud of the fact that I will be graduating college almost a year and a half earlier than I am supposed to – I started college in tenth grade which makes me set to graduate in March of 2027. It took a lot out of me mentally to juggle not only high school, but college, art club and soccer with a small part time job in my schedule for a couple of years, but I knew it would help me in the long run.
I don’t like to think I’m different than other artists. Honestly, I think we’re all different than the others. We are the children who never let go of our imagination. However if I had to say what does, who else has the name Turtle? It’s pretty rare.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Not everyone who says they support you are truly in your corner. Those who say that only want to have apart of the celebration for the highs, but will not be there when you’re in need in your lows. I have always been the kind to wear my heart on my sleeve and will break my back to ensure everyone around me has their needs and wants, but not all of them have done the same for me. So I have had too many heartbreaks in my life, but I am learning how to protect my peace through it all.
Pricing:
- Pet Portraits – $ 150
- Pet & Animal – starting at $200
- Family Portrait – starting at $175
Contact Info:
- Website: https://turtleeller.wixstudio.com/illustration
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turtleellerillustration?igsh=Z2IxdzdtMWpzYXQ5
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/artbyturtle
