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

Danielle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m incredibly thrilled to be an artist, and I truly believe it’s my calling. For many years, I worked in the restaurant industry, even owning my own restaurant for a decade. While I enjoyed that journey, art always tugged at my heartstrings. No matter how much I tried to distance myself from it, I would often receive requests for commissions, which reignited my passion.

When COVID hit and I could no longer run my restaurant, I took that time to dive deep into my art. To my surprise, I not only found fulfillment but also discovered that I could make a successful living through my paintings. That realization was a pivotal moment for me; it felt like my heart and soul were finally aligned.

What brings me the most joy is the moment I reveal a piece to a client and see their face light up with happiness. That connection and the joy my art brings to others reinforce that I’m truly living my purpose. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to create and share my passion with the world.

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’ve been passionate about art since I was young, and my journey took a significant turn in my early teens when I completed my first commission painting of a Victorian house for $500. That experience hooked me; I realized how much joy and good energy a hand-painted piece could bring to others, sparking memories and conversations.

What sets me apart as an artist is my deep commitment to understanding my clients and the stories behind their commissions. I don’t just create art; I strive to capture the essence of the subject. For instance, if I’m painting a portrait of someone’s beloved aunt who has passed away, I dig into her life—what music she loved, her hobbies, and even ask for any video clips that reveal her personality. This allows me to infuse the painting with her energy.

Similarly, for wedding commissions, I want to know about the couple’s journey—what their first dance song is, or what they enjoy doing together. This thorough exploration ensures that every piece is not just a painting but a heartfelt representation of memories and emotions.

My goal is to pour good energy and love into every artwork I create, and I believe my clients can genuinely feel that connection. It’s this depth of personalization and emotional investment that I believe truly sets my work apart and addresses the desire for meaningful art in people’s lives.”

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’d love to share a book that has profoundly impacted my life: *A Happy Pocket Full of Money* by David Cameron Gikandi. I listen to it on repeat whenever I can because it resonates with me on so many levels. The book delves into the fascinating connection between quantum physics, the mind, and money, encouraging readers to rethink their relationship with abundance.

What I find particularly uplifting is how it inspires me to align my soul with my artistic journey and financial aspirations. It’s not just about making money; it’s about understanding the energy behind it and how it ties into living a fulfilled life. The insights into how our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality are incredibly interesting and empowering. Every time I revisit its teachings, it lifts my spirits and fuels my creativity. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their mindset and embrace their true potential.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My life is currently experiencing an exciting pivot as I move towards a full-time art career. Recently, I transitioned from working full-time to just two days a week at my job, which has allowed me to focus more on my passion for art. My partner, Matt Novak, and I have also launched our business, Legacy Murals.

Matt, a talented carpenter with a creative side, adds immense value to our projects. His expertise ensures that each mural is executed with the right materials and tools, precise lines, and everything necessary to connect the art seamlessly to our clients’ spaces.

We’re experiencing a significant boost in our business, and I can feel that dropping my part-time job entirely is just around the corner. I can’t express how thrilled I am about this new chapter in my life and the opportunity to fully embrace my artistic journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danilianaart.com
• Instagram: @daniflicek
• Facebook: @daniflicek
• Other: Legacy Murals www.legacymurals.com
  Email: [email protected]