We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Debbie Grossman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Debbie below.
Debbie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
When I was a young child I thought that I would become an artist and fill my home with my own artwork. I never imagined that I would become a full time artist like I am today. My first sale occurred in 1995. I was working in a doctor’s office when one day I brought several of my paintings to work and the office manager bought 3 paintings and another employee purchased one from me as well. I felt happy that other people wanted to hang my artwork in their homes. From that day on I started selling more of my paintings to some of the doctors. That gave me the confidence to display my artwork in shows.
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
Soon after my first sale my boyfriend ( my husband to this day) entered one of my paintings into an international art contest. I was selected from 1300 artists to have my painting on display in the Spring of 1996 in The Hunter Museum of American Art. I won second place in the show. It was then that I really felt that I would devote myself to my passion. Over the years my goal has and always is to create artwork that brings happiness and serenity to others. For over twelve years I was taking care of my mother while she was fighting cancer. She would watch me paint. Painting kept my spirits up throughout that time and she said to me that I looked very happy when I was painting. That’s why I decided to call myself @thehappypaintress when I created my Instagram page. My branding came naturally to me. I love the color blue, butterflies and the ocean. Nature is my inspiration. I put all of that together over time. I just go with the flow authentically and everything fell into place. Sometimes I wake up with new ideas and start a whole new series or a product. For instance, during last year I was creating my Magical Butterfly Garden series from a visualization that I had. I would research butterflies and create many different textures with floral backgrounds, each with a particular butterfly in the center. Every painting took a very long time to create. One day I took one of my prepped canvases and decided to create a fun and very whimsical butterfly painting unlike the ones in my series, just for fun and pure relaxation. When I was finished, I looked at it and thought that it looked like a beautiful beach towel design. I looked at different companies that could turn that painting into a towel. I ordered six very soft and large towels made with hypoallergenic ink and posted them on Facebook. They all sold right away. Then I placed a bigger order and in addition I saw that they had a new product. Acrylic glass blocks. It dawned on me that my series of singular butterflies would look great in a block/paperweight. I placed an order and boom! When I posted those and showed them to some of my repeat collectors they purchased multiple items for themselves and for gifts. That brings me to my newest product which is now for sale on Amazon worldwide. Ten different butterflies made out of high quality crystal. They are radiant and people love them. I still sell them on my website as well. These products are sold through my company called Blue Butterfly Creations.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I decided to start selling my paintings I made sure to get my supplies on sale so I could make a profit and as well as be fair in my pricing. I started with some savings that I had and kept investing in myself. I enjoy what I do and that energy comes through my artwork.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
In order to attract art collectors or people that like the items that I sell I have to put myself out there, literally out of my comfort zone. I post in Instagram and Facebook regularly and I have been in many art shows as well. It’s important to push yourself and have support from others. I have a wonderful husband. He encourages me and helps me with many things in my art business from the beginning. He wants me to be successful and just knowing that he is there for me helps me reach my goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: debbiegrossmanart.com
- Instagram: @thehappypaintress
- Facebook: @debbiegrossmanart
Image Credits
Alan Grossman