Want to get SERIOUS about turning your talent into a REAL business? I interview ALFG subscriber Gabby Dearman to uncover the secrets of how she did it…and how YOU can, too:
Gabby Dearman with her new Business License
1. First tell us a little about Gabby and about Bright View Studio.
“I consider myself to be a mixed media artist, because I do work in various mediums. I work mostly with acrylic paints, watercolors, Sharpie markers, digital photography, and some collage.
One of the unique ways I express my creativity is through painting during worship times at church and conferences. Just as a person might worship the Lord through song or dance or playing a guitar, I worship with my paints and brushes! Through the Lord’s leading, I share pictures that encourage, inspire, bring revelation, and help connect people with Jesus. There’s nothing better than that!
Bright View Studio was birthed in the fall of 2010 right after I attended the Gathering of Artisans conference in Black Mountain, North Carolina that was hosted by Matt Tommey of The Worship Studio. That conference gave me the confidence and eagerness to refine my vision for my own creativity. Within a couple of weeks, I had created a Face book page for Bright View Studio, and ordered business cards. It felt right, I knew it was the right time to give a name to my work. I chose Bright View studio as the name, because that’s what I want people to feel when they encounter my art. A bright view of life… colorful, positive, joyful.”
2. What made you decide to become “official”? Couldn’t you continue to do what you do without that status?
“You can’t fly without a license. Do you know what I mean? I think there comes a time when we have to get mature enough to accept full responsibility of our skills and talents. If I’m going to be serious about refining my craft and getting my creativity out there for people to purchase, then it’s my responsibility to take ownership of my vision and honorably align myself with my city’s regulations for conducting business.”
3. What were the challenges in taking this step and how did you overcome them.
“Being a right-brained person, things like paperwork and numbers overwhelm me. I had to work through some fears and apprehensions about starting a business. You know, the “what-ifs” that tend to haunt the mind prior to making a big decision. Recently, I’ve seen more interest in my artwork, and a few people have bought paintings and photographs that I have done, so I think that helped me overcome my fears and decide it was worth the risk to make things official. Also, I have several amazing people that have been supporting me and encouraging me in this part of my creative journey.”
4. So where does Bright View Studio go from here?
“In addition to continuing to create artwork, I am getting things organized to begin offering creative coaching and instruction in my community for all ages. I want to help people find the joy and confidence in creating, and to have a healthy creative outlet. Eventually, the goal is to rent a studio space where I can create, sell, and offer classes, so I am working up to that. I also plan on writing and illustrating children’s books in the near future.”
5. What advice can you share with others?
A. “Don’t get overwhelmed by your dreams. Just start where you are and take little steps in the right direction.”
B. “Surround yourself with people who encourage you and allow you to be who the Lord created you to be.”
C. “It really is okay to be nervous or scared, just don’t let that stop you from going forward.”
D. “Learn God’s voice by being in His Presence, and follow where He leads you.”
You can find Gabby online at BrightViewStudio.com as well as on Face book.
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This was really helpful. :3 I’m just starting out in art too, and I’m planning to make a business, and so I find this encouraging. <3
Thanks for chiming in! I’ll pass the word on to Gabby, too!
Btw, I think you’re off to a great start with your art blog! Love the fact you chose WordPress to create with.
I especially like the clean, simple them you’ve chosen. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may need as you continue to move ahead!