Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Siana Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Siana, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

As a self-taught artist and the only visual artist in my family, I always knew that my talent was God-gifted. Through my journey, I’ve always felt like my creative process allowed me to empathize with the Great Creator and to create visual representation of the shared human experience. I am so grateful for the ability to create naturally and although I started off wanting to keep this gift to myself and create selfishly, I’ve grown to realize it is not mine to keep. As a God-gifted creator I must use my talent to speak to others as it was intended.

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.

My artistic instincts sparked when I was a child. As an avid book reader I became more interested in the images which brought the story to life for me. If there wasn’t enough pictures I began to draw them. I also kept collections of coloring books and often challenged adults to coloring contests. Thanks to my family who paid attention to my interests, I began receiving new mediums to explore during birthdays and holidays such as paints, pastels, markers, aisles, and even a sewing machine.By age 10 I won my first art competition and by age 17 I was nominated for the Governor Honors Program for Art.
My art career began in 2016 when I entered my first Artshow. From there and for the next 9 years, I have participated in many local art shows including the Black Girl Artshow, Pancakes and Booze, and the Art of Metanoia . I’ve sold over 20 original pieces and over 150 prints, showcased in local exhibits, collaborated on murals, hosted and curated events, and started my brand called Siana’s Palette.
I have currently slowed down on navigating the art industry and focused on creating for the last 2 years. My main mediums are acrylic and gouache on canvas and pressed paper. I have recently explored and developed a knack for digital art and am currently providing services surrounding digital design.
As I grow as an artist, my purpose for creating has grown as well. I’ve been exploring my roots and the things that impacted me as a child and my artistry – for example, being a New Yorker raised in Georgia by Caribbean parents, and being heavily impacted by the church. As a child everything was clear to me. This is why Siana’s Palette is undergoing a rebranding to connect with what is important. I believe what sets me apart is that I have this burning desire to fulfill The Great Commission through art. Therefore, my work will be developed with that fulfillment in consideration moving forward. In my opinion, there’s no better message out there.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Heart posture and impact, is everything and I will stand by this. Whether you choose to carry a loving heart or a selfish heart or make good impact or bad impact – heart posture and impact will guide you to like-minded individuals, help you make decisions, and help you navigate well.
If I didn’t care about making good and selfless impact, I wouldn’t have been surrounded by people who are also passionate about making meaningful impact that influence others, I am truly concerned about living a meaningful life. I am not driven by money (No, I do not work for free), but I haven’t been unfulfilled by any business agreements or collaborations I’ve made in a long time, because I believe that they will positively change the future one day. I have made a lot of business friendships and relationships a long the way and I know that I am always being considered by somebody.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that numbers matter.
There was a time when I would cry in my pillow often because I knew that I was talented but I couldn’t get people to support my work. I would look at the Instagram insights and lack of followers for years. I began creating for likes. Although I would get a little buzz under a post for doing that one painting or project, it drained a great deal of motivation and creativity out of me. I began to hate creating and hate social media (I still hate social media). I couldn’t even get a share for a share with family and friends which I would try to initiate often and it wouldn’t work. That brings me to another lesson, your friends, family, and sometimes partner may not be your audience and although it sucks, it’s okay. Fast forward my following is still low, my social media engagement is still poor, but it doesn’t compare to the face to face engagement, word of mouth marketing, and in person collaborations I’ve been able to participate in. My skillset has significantly improved which impacts my prices, I’m exploring more because I am not keeping up with a social media niche, and I’m not being controlled by outside influences. I am free!!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sianaspalette