Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alana Beall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I would say I’ve been doing the things I’m doing now since childhood. I always drew everyone pictures and took pictures with my pink camera all the time. I’d stage set ups and everyone would have to join in on my ideas. When I got to college it opened new doors into the creative path. I studied graphic design, painting, drawing, photography, and even videography. When I got out of college I focused on freelance graphic design and found that I needed to take pictures of my projects I was working on especially for websites in the early 2000. I always had an interest in photography as well so I would take photos for friends and families. I also used to paint people pets and paint murals. I did a little bit of everything right out of college. When I had my children I decided to gravitate towards my photography for families and businesses. I would also always book creative shoots where I painted and built the sets and teamed up with other creatives and models. Now flash forward I have gotten back into the painting world and I’m back to painting pets, murals for businesses, and my own original works. A lot of my original artworks you can find my photography archives inside of them that I used for references. Each skill set that I learned has blended into one another at some point in my life. Each skill has played such a valuable part in my life throughout each life change and has almost held a hand for another. The photography taught me so much about light and became an amazing original work for the painting. The design came in hand for my photography editing, my marketing, as well as composing artwork samples for myself and clients. The painting also came in handy for photography for painting original backdrops and sets. I’m back to learning. I take an array of painting courses online each week when I’m in my slower seasons. I will always be an eternal learner looking for new ideas and challenges. I would say as far as obstacles it would be juggling what life throws out you and knowing when to pull back from learning for life’s balance and when to put yourself back in and even force yourself out of your comfort zone to get back in.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I offer commissioned paintings of pets, animals and people’s portraits. I also offer my original artworks as well as prints and reproductions of my art. I can take any picture that you’d provide and turn it into an artwork. I work primarily with acrylics but I also play with mixed media pieces and watercolor as well. I would say I’m most proud of painting my children’s portraits. I always have wanted to do it but when it’s someone you are so close to you are a bit harder on yourself about getting it right and after I finally did it I was so happy with the results. I also still do family photography and branding photography too. I even have photographed other artists works for them to be able to well prints of their artworks.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I really wish I knew about the online yearlong painting courses so many years ago. They have opened my eyes back up to experimenting with art and challenging myself to classes I might have not taken. Each teacher has brought a unique trait to my work evolving. I was so scared to get back into art for some reason. The stigmas, past experiences, and even the self doubt. Taking classes again helped breakdown those fears.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
There are so many rewarding aspects of following my creative journey. My family being such a big part of it is a big one. They engage in what I’m working on, Critique my art, and sometimes even leave a little imprint in it. They also help me for my art tents and setups. Another rewarding aspect is doing something that has my whole heart and soul tied in and genuinely brings me joy. I feel like I’m doing something I’m meant to do. I also love the fact that I’m back to playing again but as an adult. I’m experimenting with processes and techniques and just letting myself feel free again.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.vanitysedgedesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanabeall?igsh=MXhoZGx5eG1qb2U1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vanitysedge?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-beall-4b9048240
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlanaBeall
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alanabeallart?si=fsaBOo26dZdYmQxI
Image Credits
Everything was photographed my me. The only image that showcases other creatives in the photography with the blue and makeup. Makeup and hair by Nicole Palermo and model Melanie Blankenship.