Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leanna Grady . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leanna , appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
Since I was old enough and agile enough to hold anything that would make a mark on paper- I have been drawing. I have always enjoyed drawing and painting and creating. I love love love taking every day, mundane items and objects and making them prettier! If I have to look at something all day long- it might as well be interesting to look at! I want the things around me to amuse me! Back in 2020 I was, at the time, a full time pre-school teacher. When schools closed and teachers were sent home to conduct all school activities through zoom.. let’s just say I had a lot of time on my hands! I had the opportunity to sit and create. It was a wonderful aspect of the crazy season that was 2020.
During this time of practicing painting I had the idea of creating small, quick paintings and sending them to people as postcards. I mean, let’s face it- everyone had time to collect their mail! After posting a few photos on my social media I begin receiving requests for custom postcards and sets of postcards. This really jumpstarted the idea of being able to actually make some money on the things I was creating! It was also a sweet way of helping people feel connected in a time that social distancing was necessary.
In addition to the postcards, I was also making one of a kind “house portraits”. I had wanted to give someone a Christmas gift in 2020 and was without adequate funds, the people I had in mind had just recently purchased a new home so I decided to paint a picture of house (snagged the photo from the real estate listing!) and give that to them as a gift. It was well received and, after posting a quick photo on social media, orders started rolling in for those, too.
Leanna , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As I said before, I have always made it my aim to create and beautify the world around me. Since I was very young I have enjoyed creating and drawing and just generally making messes and having something tangible at the end of it all.
My goal as an artist is not to be rich and it’s not to be famous. I just want to create, which has proven to be a vital outlet for me, and I want to help other people do the same.
At this point I have created paintings for friends and family of very special people and places as well as sentimental still life images. I would love to continue to do this and have it eventually be my “full time gig”.
At present, I am working on acquiring my Art Therapy Certification. I so enjoy painting and telling MY story and I feel that I would truly be following my purpose and my calling by being able to guide people in the creative journey of being able to tell THEIR story. Everyone’s story is incredibly unique and deeply important.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal and my mission are unique to me. I genuinely believe that I was put on this earth to create, and amuse, and help facilitate healing- through creating. Nothing can stop me. It will look different in every season- and it has thus far.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part is.. well, I would say that the reward is two-part. The first part being that I created something at all. I, as an artist, recognized a void in the universe, and filled it with something tangible. This can present in many different forms- paintings, writing, sculptures, re-decorating a room in my home, changing my clothing style, etc. The list goes on! but in these things there is real pride and a sense of accomplishment.
The second part would be that, once the first part is complete, I create something, I then go on to INSPIRE someone else to do the same. So the cycle of creativity and healing and expression continues. It’s actually such a beautiful thing.
Contact Info:
- Other: Instagram: @twotonfeather
Image Credits
I am responsible for taking all of these photos.