Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Arbeter.

Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art has always been a passion of mine since I was very young. I spent most of my free time perfecting my skills of coloring in coloring books as a child. I always looked forward to art classes in school and after school as a hobby. At the University of Michigan, I majored in Art History but never imagined that I would later be creating my own art to sell.

After having children, I was afforded some time to dig deep and allow my creativity to resurface. I was motivated by the large abstract pieces I painted as a college student that my mother pulled out of her attic 13 years later. I hung two in my home. It was then that I began to experiment and create new large scale pieces of this nature, the very first of which was a present for my mother. Since my start in 2017 I have sold over 150 pieces and shipped pieces all over the country.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are many challenges as an artist.

One of the greatest challenges was feeling confident enough to call myself an artist. This only came after others continued to refer to me as an artist. I was uncomfortable with the title for a while but over time as I sold more pieces and realized people valued my work I was able to embrace the title and feel confident calling myself an artist.

A second challenge was/is promoting my work. It is often awkward to rave about your own work and show it off to others to entice them to buy it. I learned through different classes and group discussions with other entrepreneurs the art of showing and sharing to sell. Talking about your work in a way that fosters a connection and people feel naturally inclined to buy is the best way.

A third obstacle is where to show my work and getting my art in front of the right people. This is a continuous challenge. I have learned that not every opportunity is worth my time and I have to be selective. It takes alot of time to find the these opportunities.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Energetic brushstrokes of color is how I like to describe my work. I paint abstract, large-scale canvases. The bigger the better. I like to create work that makes an impact when you walk in the room and draws a reaction from the onlooker. I always seek to create a pleasant and joyful emotion that brings levity and happiness to the soul. I focus on color and the relationship between each paint layered on the canvas. The intentional blending and layering of colors tell a different story to each person. The majority of my works are custom. I enjoy working with my clients to design pieces that fit their space both in size and color story.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Art is not just about the work you create, it is a whole business that you need to carve out time for. As an artist I need to make space to create my work. I like to be alone in my home studio when creating. I like a quiet house when no one else is home so I can be free to let my creativity run wild and my thoughts flow with the music blasting and the daylight sun shining in. The second action as an artist is carving time out to do the work, to promote myself on instagram, to reach out for new opportunities, to build connections and collaborate with other entrepreneurs, to send out newsletters, do paperwork and take the time to be present to sell. These things take time and energy and are not easy and natural for most artist. I have learned that not all amazing artists are successful. An artist and a business person don’t always go hand in hand.

Pricing:

• $1000-$5000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amandaarbeter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaarbeter_art/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.hyattarbeter