Everyone knows that this year has been a wild ride: Pandemic, murder hornets, civil unrest, political battles, massive hurricanes, and the like. The world has turned upside down, and many lives have changed – including mine. I started a new career, learned new skills, and built up a brand. As this year is rapidly coming to a close, I would like to take a few moments to reflect on this past year.
2020 was the start of my art adventure. In 2019 I was at a desk job and wanted desperately to pursue my art. I have painted since I was young, but it was more of a hobby than anything else. There was always something that kept it on the back burner: school, work, social life. My husband saw my longing and encouraged me to start pursuing my dream. He wanted me to be happy even though quitting a stable job for a very unstable art pursuit was very risky. But, it was something I needed to do. I felt like pursuing my art was a now or never thing. If I had waited, there would always be yet another reason to postpone my art. I have found that there is no good time for anything, you just have to do it.
Little did I know that just a few months after I quit, the world would enter a pandemic leaving many workers jobless, including my husband. Ironic, isn’t it? However, quarantine gave me much needed undivided time to start building my business. I completely reworked my website and took photos of every art piece I created. I spent hours trying to decide my brand colors and aesthetic. I also launched my art Instagram and Facebook account. My husband even became my personal photographer. We launched my Twitch stream together giving me the opportunity to meet my clients in a new way.
My very first painting was sold in July 2020 to a girl in Columbus. It was a pivotal moment for me. My business started taking of from there. Sales increased each month with November being my biggest sales month. I sold more in November than all other months combined. It was so rewarding to know that my paintings would be given as Christmas gifts. I also had the amazing opportunity to be displayed in Corner Cup Coffeehouse in Stow, Ohio for the month of November. What a lucky month!
None of this could have been accomplished however without the support from my family, friends, and those I have met along the way. The constant encouragement kept me going. I appreciate everyone who hung out with me on Twitch, bought a painting, and followed my progress on social media. You make pursuing my passion worthwile. Thank you.
Now it is time to be out with 2020 and in with 2021. I hope everyone has an amazing New Year!
2020 Highlights