We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Neshyba recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
The first commission piece I was asked to do (outside of my family) is a fun story to tell. I was getting my undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. It was my sophomore year, pre-covid, My friend from high school and I were at a Starbucks in Bryan working on our homework and, at the time, stickers on computer cases was very common. Most of the stickers on the back of my laptop were art related. An elderly woman with her little dog sat down across the table from my friend and me and struck up a conversation after looking at all of our stickers. She asked me, “Are you an artist?” Pretty sure my friend answered for me, but I had told her that I am, in fact, an artist. She had gotten so excited and asked me to draw her little dog, Luna. I took a picture of Luna right there in the shop, we talked prices, exchanged numbers, and I got to work! I finished the piece relatively quickly and called her up to let her know it was done. My friend and I went back to that same Starbucks and the lady was elated with the final product. It was a really neat interaction. Sometimes I have a hard time letting go of certain art pieces but I knew that one would be loved and appreciated.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have always been drawn to art and colors and texture. It’s basically in my blood, as my paternal grandmother and maternal great-grandmother were both artists themselves. I like to think my specialty lies in both using watercolor and colored pencils, although I am familiar with other mediums such as acrylic paints and pastels. As for subjects, animals are what I am drawn to as well as buildings. My style is more of realism but I have done some modern, abstract styles, as well. I’m still trying to break into the industry here in New Braunfels, my clientele has mostly been friends and family. I haven’t been able to fully commit to taking on more as I am currently getting my MA for Interior Design. I hope to get some pieces finished and get prints and stickers made for sale either at the farmers market or some local shops, that’s one of my New Years Resolutions.
I am proud of the products I do put out. If I’m not satisfied, I keep working on it until I am, and sometimes that means taking a break, walking away, and coming back to finish.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part is seeing the reactions of the people who are receiving the art. I got married recently and as my bridal shower hostess gifts, I painted each of the ladies a personalized gift and then had it framed. Everyone really loved their gift and some even sent me a picture of them once they set them up.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I’ve learned to just ask. If you follow any other creatives on social media and there’s something they do that interests you, just ask! Maybe you’re like me and newer to the area wondering what’s the best print shop to use, I asked another local artist and she kindly shared the information on the one she used. The worst thing anyone could say is no, or that they’re unable to help you. Sometimes people can point you in the right direction or in the direction of someone who knows more.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @under.the.medium