We recently connected with Lynda Herrera Travis and have shared our conversation below.

LYNDA, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were starting over today, knowing everything that I know now, I would have started brainstorming & building my own business rather than invest my energy into other people’s businesses. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both of which I am proud of. But a common theme underlying degrees is “working for a company” rather than “running a company.’ I had an enormous amount of fun learning all that I did. But the time would have been better served skipping college and working on myself (professionally, spiritually, financially, etc.). Howbeit, I am thankful for the skills and experiences I have gained along my journey and no doubt all I’ve consumed intellectually and through life experiences I use daily in my Art by Lynda business.

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.

Covid got me into the art business. When the shutdown hit I sought refuge in creating artwork. Then what started as a therapeutic hobby turned into a way of life. I realized not only did I love creating art but that it provided healing and comfort to others (including myself).

I sell fine art originals and prints through my Instagram and website: https://www.instagram.com/artbylynda/ and https://artbylynda.artspan.com/home

What sets me apart from other artists is I convey the subject’s emotional experience through facial expressions, body positions, and the use of color and texture. I seek to convey the subject’s experience rather than beautify. I believe our life experiences, good and bad, all contribute to our true beauty and that is what I aim to show.

I am most proud of The Guardian and Chief Ridin’ By. These two pieces have garnered the most attention and most likely due to their mystery. The Guardian features a woman figure with two younglings in tow and Chief Ridin’ By shows a native figure wearing a beautiful mess of a headdress!

What I would like potential clients and fans to know is I absolutely love art and what you see is what you get! I love people and I love being alive. I love sharing my art with the world and I hope my art brings healing to others. My brand is “just me.” No fancy marketing schemes. Just good ol’ fashion artwork with a touch of love.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My eldest brother, Timothy Herrera, passed away in 2023. He IS (I don’t believe in past tense since our energy is eternal) one of my best friends whom I miss dearly. His passing demonstrates my resiliency because I am now tasked with being stronger, healthier, and more motivated than ever. Seeing firsthand the finite nature of this life has propelled me to new heights in my personal, spiritual and professional life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn art rules! As my brother Aaron taught me-Learn the art rules and then break them! Once someone delves into art they will be bombarded with rules: perspective, color theory, composition, and on and on. But art is not the place for boundaries and lessons! The only lesson one should take from art class is to learn everything so that you can unlearn and create unique art. Clear as mud? :-)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artbylynda.artspan.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbylynda/