When did you go solo and why? What inspired the adventure?

Well, I haven’t. I still have a full-time art handling gig which is required for my $60k student-loan debt.

Describe a typical day.

I arrive at my day job at 8:30am. If I have something at work that might need a simple label like “glove box,” I’ll usually find some scrap wood, jump on the table saw, construct the box, design a logo from concept to image, make stickers with the new logo noting glove sizes—and now my crew has a glove box!

At lunch I make a drawing or painting in my journal. In the second half of the day I plan and prepare materials for what I’ll work on when I get out of work. If I’m exploring a new thing like silkscreening, I'll read everything I need to to be prepared to hit the ground running when I get home. I spend a lot of time at YouTube University. I make what I can when I get home, maybe print a few silkscreen tees, maybe do a tattoo, maybe work on a large painting that’s hanging on the wall. I try to remember to eat by 8-9pm.

What’s the best project you’ve ever had?

I was a photographer for a band once, which was a dream job. It was probably the best and worst project I’ve ever had. The cost was high but I made great work.

What’s the hardest conversation you’ve ever had with a client?

I can’t really recall one. I put everything in writing before anything begins, we have a lot of conversations so that expectations are clear and we’re on the same page (and can establish some rapport and trust) before any pencil hits paper.

Even with friends or family, documentation and clear expectations will save friendships.

Is there a psychology to soloing well? How do you keep yourself motivated and manage free-floating anxiety?

150mg of Zoloft, daily.

How do you know when to say ‘no’ to a project?

When I don’t want to do it. I can freely say no because I have a steady income stream. So I only do projects that would be fun for me. Or if I don’t really want to do it (like photographing a wedding), but I think it’s a good financial opportunity, I’ll throw a really high price on it and if they bite, the money will make it worth it. If they don't, it’s no loss to me.

Your solo life wouldn’t run without these three tools:

Sobriety, caffeine, pencil, paper.

Best work habit?

Flexibility, open-mindedness, curiosity, and playfulness.

Worst work habit?

Self doubt, fear.

Who else in your life is a soloist?

Lots of artists, writers, theatre, and film people. Living in NYC it’s pretty common.

Is your family supportive of your solo life?

Sure.

Who is your biggest professional inspiration? Who are your mentors?

So many!

David Wojnarowicz: for his diversity in mediums, consistency in producing, vulnerability in his work
Nan Goldin: vulnerability in her work
Kathe Kolowitz: beautiful form, her persistence in producing work even when she couldn’t see the purpose.
Egon Schiele: beautiful form, provides just the right amount of information with his mark making, never too much, letting the viewer experience feeling over fact.
Bruce Davidson: nailed ‘empathy over exploitation’ in photographic work which I think a lot of people miss the mark on. Also built a darkroom in his bathroom which inspired me to do the same.
Kara Walker: beautiful sculptural forms.
John Singer-Sargeant: watercolors are amazing.
David Boyajian: friend, professor, sculptor, successful soloist.

What aspect of running a business have you never warmed up to?

Math.

What do you do for health insurance?

My full-time job pays that in full.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve received about … accounting-bookkeeping/pricing/marketing?

“Do it ’til they tell you not to.” —My mother

A few pieces from Moore’s portfolio

Where do you do your best work?

Everywhere. I’ve always needed to work exactly where I am, whether it’s at my full-time job or at my home, or while traveling. Making my work fit into my daily life is the key to sustainability for me. I never want an opportunity for an excuse like “it’s too dark here” or “I don’t have room,” etc.

So much about making things is about meeting materials where they’re at, learning their limits and doing what you can within them. That includes the environment.

If I’m at my desk at work, I guess I’m meant to make small things there. Maybe watercolors or sketches. If I’m at home, I guess I’m meant to make larger things or things in a dark room or slower things, things that take more time.

Limits have always helped my practice because they give me something to push up against and a productive place for my natural rebellion.

What do you do on your break time?

During my lunch break, I usually make a drawing or a watercolor while I attend a virtual AA meeting.

Do you have a vacation routine? How do you think about time off?

I don’t have a vacation routine, I’m grateful for when it comes but largely I am much more focused on all the fun I can have throughout each day. If I had to wait for vacation, I wouldn’t make it.

Ever miss the stability of a staff job?

No. I still have one.

What keeps you up at night?

Nothing. I sleep like the dead.

What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?

Just wait. Breathe. You’re going to have things you didn’t even know to wish for.

P.S.: Stop drinking.

▶︎ Upon observing Moore’s art first-hand, Ahmed, from the Aden 24-Hour Gourmet Deli atSouth 3rd Street and Roebling in Brooklyn, exclaimed: “That shit is dope as hell. You could work in Times Square." To see for yourself, visit her website.

My Solo-Called Life

Second Acts: An Upstate New York Renaissance

People Without Borders