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In this episode of the Art Coaching Club podcast, host Hayley Price interviews Brittany Smith, an artist and entrepreneur who has navigated the challenging balance between growing her art business and raising a family. Brittany shares how her passion for art evolved into a successful career, the lessons she learned along the way, and valuable advice for other artists.
Brittany's Journey into Art Entrepreneurship
Brittany’s path into art began early in life, but after college, her plans shifted when she got married and had children, including one that required extra care. Art became a much-needed outlet during this time. What began as a creative escape quickly grew into a more serious pursuit. In 2019, she took the leap and opened an Etsy shop, which marked the beginning of her art business.
Brittany reflects on the therapeutic aspect of painting, explaining that this personal connection to her work was essential in helping her move forward during difficult periods. Her story highlights how personal circumstances can fuel creativity and lead to unexpected growth.
Developing Her Artistic Style
Like many artists, Brittany’s artistic style evolved over time. A turning point came in 2020 when she started focusing on florals, which resonated strongly with her audience and helped her find her niche. Brittany emphasizes the importance of creating art without the pressure of selling every piece, which gave her the space to explore her artistic voice.
This approach allowed Brittany to lean into her creativity, leading to an authentic style that connected deeply with her audience.
Balancing Growth and Family Life
One of the most significant challenges Brittany has faced as an artist is balancing the demands of her business with the responsibilities of raising a family. With a child who requires extra care, she had to find ways to make her art career sustainable without sacrificing time with her family.
Brittany has developed a system that allows her to grow her business while avoiding burnout, relying on creating multiple income streams like prints and licensing. This diversification of income has helped her maintain balance and ensure a steady income, even when she’s unable to produce original works as frequently.
By shifting focus to creating long-term income opportunities, she was able to grow her business in a sustainable way.
Key Advice for Other Artists
Throughout the episode, Brittany offers valuable advice for artists trying to grow their careers while balancing personal commitments. Here are a few key takeaways from her journey:
Take time to create without worrying about sales. Brittany encourages artists to spend time painting for themselves without the pressure of constantly producing for their audience. This freedom, she believes, helps artists develop their true style.
Invest in a professional website.She emphasizes the importance of having a polished website to showcase your portfolio and make your work easily accessible to potential buyers.
Explore different income streams.Brittany’s own experience with prints and licensing taught her the value of diversifying income streams. This has provided her with more stability and creative freedom.
Conclusion: A Story of Growth and Balance
Brittany’s journey is one of persistence, passion, and careful balance between art and family life. She demonstrates that success in the art world is rarely immediate. Instead, it’s a gradual process of evolving skills, refining your voice, and implementing strategic business practices. Her advice to fellow artists is grounded in her own experiences and offers practical ways to navigate the often-challenging world of art entrepreneurship.
For more from Brittany, tune in to this insightful episode where she shares even more tips and reflections on building a sustainable, fulfilling art career.
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