We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffanie Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffanie below.

Tiffanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

In 2018, I embarked on a journey into the realm of visual artistry, fueled by a passion for creativity and a desire to share my work with the world. I didn’t start the journey out looking to make money. It was purely out of fun and creativity. My mom encouraged me to sell my illustrations using one of the many online platforms. Little did I know that there were people besides family and friends who were interested in buying a piece of my art. That summer, I was able to experience the sale of my digital creation through an online platform.

I had come home from dental school and I received the notification that someone had purchased my artwork – a digital download priced at three dollars. I can remember feeling happiness, excitement, and a profound sense of validation. This wasn’t just about the money; it was about someone appreciating my artistic vision, connecting with my expression, and finding value in something I had created.

I remember the first person I told was my mom as she has always been my number one supporter. As I processed the sale and transferred the digital file to its new owner, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of motivation and inspiration coursing through me. This first dollar earned wasn’t just a financial transaction; it was a symbol of possibility, a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams.

From that day forward, I approached my renewed passion for art and illustration with newfound vigor, pouring my heart and soul into each creation, fueled by the knowledge that there were people out there who appreciated and supported my work. The journey ahead might be filled with challenges and uncertainties, but I knew that as long as I stayed true to my artistic vision, success would follow.

Looking back on that day, I realized that it wasn’t just about the money earned or the recognition gained; it was about the joy of creation, the thrill of sharing my passion with the world, and the profound sense of fulfillment that comes from pursuing one’s dreams. Fleur de Tiff was created that day. Because that small step of putting myself out there led to a huge victory, I knew that the possibilities were endless, and the journey ahead was bound to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Tiffanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I did not go to art school or major in art. I did take a ton of art classes as electives so probably could have minored in it. I’ve always had a passion for all forms of the creative world (writing, theater and drawing). I dabbled in a lot of it in my younger days but back in 2018-I wanted a specific image and I couldn’t find what I was looking for so I told myself I would just make it myself. My first illustration was done the old fashion way-sketched on paper and then scanned onto my PC so that I could color it with a program online. It was a lot right? I know! But surprisingly, I showed this to friends and they wanted me to draw one for their zodiac signs. Just knowing that this small illustration brought joy and enjoyment to other people made me happy. I spent the whole weekend sketching different zodiac signs. From that point on, I found a renewed spirit for drawing. I would sketch in my sketchbook probably everyday. I would search YouTube for videos on how to draw different positions, lips, etc. If I thought I wanted to sketch it, I tried to draw it. I signed up for free art courses on Skillshare. I used pencil, paper and ruler and a scanner for a least the first year of teaching myself how to draw. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and after a while, posted my pictures on Instagram. Not thinking anything of it. I also used it Instagram in the beginning to post art that I found I connected with and to also remind me to keep practicing.

The first products I began selling were digital downloads and quickly began making custom planner covers for Happy Planners. I was heavy into planning, and I wanted planner covers to match my personality and my own look. The planner covers and later stickers are what propelled my presence online both with social media and my selling platform. Slowly I began to do commissions and even presented my artwork at RAW Creative Art Show. I believe being a participant of RAW in 2019 was a huge accomplishment as young artist because I had just started out as an artist the year prior. It was also validation that my work and dedication was paying off. I love being able to interact with not only potential customers, but other creatives as well. That is what the RAW opportunity allowed me to do.

Currently, what I offer is products that women of color are looking for that resemble them. That was the whole reason Fleur De Tiff was created. As a woman of color–we come in all shades, sizes and hairstyles. I decided that I want to make illustrations that can resonate with women who look like me but also spread a positive message. I make illustrations for women of color who are in STEM, educators, college grads, mothers etc. I also do commission work for small businesses, authors and some larger brands. Being an entrepreneur is not a one and done. You keep learning and growing and expanding.

Some triumphs I’ve experienced are, finding my own personal style that I am happy with has been huge success for me. While my style is still evolving as I learn new concepts, I’m happy that people can love an appreciate my art. I was able to participate in opportunities that I could use my art to express empowerment and bring women together. I’ve been able to work with women from all over with personal commissioned products. I’ve been able to sell my products on various platforms and I currently my own website fleurdetiff.com

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is having people telling me how they relate to something I post or they saw themselves in an illustration. I love to connect with others through my art.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience didn’t happen overnight. I played around with the right hashtags that would draw attention to my post, and even paid for Instagram and Facebook ads. The ads drew followers but not many. The main thing that helped gain a lot of followers were I believe a combination of two things. First, posting consistently. And by consistently, I mean everyday. Now with instagram reels, posting reels, stories and feed post regularly you will gain an audience in no time. Second, you have to find a way to get your audience to engage with your post and I believe that draws more attention to your post e.g. pushing your post to the top of the feed. It takes a lot of work but these two things helped me tremendously.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fleurdetiff.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/fleurdetiff
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fleurdetiff
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanie-brown-howard