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

Heidi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have always been creative, but more in a “crafty” way. My mom is a painter and taught lessons in our home throughout my childhood. We were always encouraged to create and diy decorations, gifts, clothes…you name it we did it homemade. I never considered myself an artist because I didn’t paint traditional landscapes or portraits, but I loved making things!

As I got older I made everything from bags to jewelry to screen printing. I even did craft shows with my mom in my late teens/early twenties. I eventually went to school for Graphic Design, graduated and have been a professional designer for almost 20 years.

I started hosting monthly craft nights with a group of friends and coworkers and that continued for 10 years! I had amassed a basements worth of various craft supplies that was out of control. I challenged myself to find something that sparked joy for me so I could focus my creative energy. I stumbled on pour painting and then alcohol inks and fell in love.

I went full in on inks and abstract art. People actually wanted to purchase my creations and I got back into the art market world. I was loving it! It took me another 2 years to fully embrace the title of artist.

And now here I am almost 6 years later…a artist and designer merging my passions into a life that works for me!

Heidi, 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?

I am a professional graphic designer and now artist, so basically a life-long creative. I have been creating my art for almost six years and try to blend my worlds together as much as possible.

I create mixed media abstract paintings and functional art using alcohol and acrylic ink. My products include wall art on canvas and/or paper, serving platters, jewelry, tables and more. I love working with collectors to find and/or create the perfect piece for their home.

I find beauty and inspiration in my home state of Minnesota, particularly the north shore of Lake Superior. Many of my pieces reflect the movement of water, wind moving the clouds and quiet nature walks. I am also inspired by the night sky and galaxies. I love creating pieces that look like they could be planets or far off galaxies.

I also teach workshops and private art nights. I love helping people embrace the chaos and unpredictability of inks. My favorite part is seeing people get so excited when they stop and feel good about what they created.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that I get to be myself. For so long I tried to fit a specific vision of what a professional designer, wife, mom should be and was always searching for something else. When I started my artistic journey, I started to shed some of those expectations and do things my way. I love being able to create pieces that make me happy and proud.

I love that my kids have been able to see me doing something more unconventional with my life, I work as a full-time designer AND as an artist. My family is part of the business, they help prep materials, package products, work at shows. They have been exposed to a world of makers and artists that are a constant source of inspiration, and they have become avid art collectors as teenagers!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Emily Jeffords Making Art Work has significantly impacted my business and approach to managing an art career. Laura Horn has been so inspirational to me, her podcasts and classes have helped me break out of ruts and spark creativity when it has been lacking for me.

Some books that I have found critical to being an artist, finding courage and just being a working mom are;
Maker’s Mark by Lara Cornell
How are you, really? by Jenna Kutcher
Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Contact Info:

• Website: heididerner.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heididerner/