We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Courtney Tonelson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Courtney below.
Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
It was May of 2020 when I found myself being called back to creating art. I started with mini watercolors of animals and quotes that made me happy during quarantine. After showcasing these pieces on Facebook, I was asked by people to paint family members who have passed away from Covid-19. The commission’s requests began to increase by the day and I had yet to even begin a business page. At this time, I felt it was logical to begin this creative service for those who have lost a family member, friend, and pets.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I began creating art in middle school, where I found my love of graphite pencil. I would join local art exhibitions and competitions alike. My art teachers would also place my art in county-wide and state-wide art exhibitions. In high school, I would spend my weekends locked in my room, and using oil paint for the weekly paintings we had to create.
After highschool, I set the paintbrush down and worked on other endeavors. When Covid-19 arrived, I found the desire to create once again, and it helped to have local friends and family commissioning my work. It was then that I realized that I should make this a part time job for myself while going through college.
Creating portraits of people and four legged friends do not always go as planned. At some points, I may have a different creative vision that my client. When that does happen, I always find it best to photograph the in between stages of the commission as I go step by step. Apart from other creative business owners, my commissions are about creating comfort and bringing your love one back to life. As I create each piece, I feel that I am getting to know the person in the painting.
This business has placed me in many events and situations where I never thought I would be. My proudest moment was painting live for a wedding ceremony.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I truly owe credit to the locals of Baltimore as they are friends, family members, colleagues, and co-workers. The term “word of mouth” has played a huge role in creating my platform.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my business is seeing the reactions of the commission from my clientele. I don’t just create for myself, but for others which gives me motivation to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Courts Collective
- Facebook: Artwork by Courtney Tonelson