We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrea Adams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrea below.
Andrea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a time you helped a customer really get an amazing result through their work with you.
When my customers see value in my work as an artist they refer customers to me who support me and trust my artistic ability. “Very professional and quality art. Great customer service. I highly recommend,” said April Boyd. Many of my customers are referred by friends and family. Some of my customers know what they want; others leave it up to the artist. “I love TAPA. Andrea is a very talented artist. I was able to get a completely original painting for my birthday and I didn’t really know what I wanted to be painted, so I just let her go for it. I was gifted what is now my favorite piece of art from that and it didn’t take long at all,” said Demetre Ferrell One thing I enjoy most is helping my customer’s visions become a reality. I ensure that each of them is updated throughout the entire process. By doing this I bring excitement to my customers and make them a part of the entire process. My customers say it best “When I tell yall she is amazingly talented! When I first saw her work I couldn’t wait to get over a few ideas to her! When I tell you it came out even better than I thought it could! I love it! I will be getting a few more. She’s forever stuck with me!” said Kevin Walker.
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
Andrea Adams is a visual artist from Chesapeake, VA. Her early beginnings as an artist started at the age of three when she drew an enormous elephant with a blue crayon on her parent’s hallway wall, and her mom was impressed. Andrea’s first-grade teacher and art teacher recognized Andrea’s artistic endowment. Andrea’s mother began to purchase art supplies at home to encourage creativity per teacher recommendation. Almost every weekend during school age, Andrea would present her parents with an art project she completed and taught her younger sister. Also, to nurture Andrea’s artistic gift, Andrea’s mother signed her up for art classes each year until she graduated from high school.
Even though Andrea excelled in art, some individuals tried to discourage Andrea from pursuing her passion. Despite the critics, in 2015, Andrea received her Fine Arts & Graphic Design degree from Norfolk State University with honors. Andrea served as a secretary on the Guild of Fine Arts board at NSU and interned from 2014-2015 with Young Audiences of Virginia, now called Arts for Learning. Reporting to Anna Heywood Green, Andrea’s internships included programming, outreach, marketing, and graphic design.
Andrea entered art shows and provided art services to family members but always wanted to own an art business. “Owning my own business has always been a dream since I was young.” In 2018 Andrea began researching how to start an art business. In 2019 she took a leap of faith and opened a group page on Facebook called Art by Andrea M. Adams, where she began posting artwork here and there. In 2020 Andrea and her husband opened Take a Peake Art LLC. Because Andrea was from Chesapeake, Virginia, she wanted the name of her business to reflect where her talent began, even though headquartered in Chester, Virginia.
Andrea’s art gift has impacted many people, and many have encouraged and helped her to become the fine artist she is today. First, God blessed Andrea with raw natural talent in art. Andrea’s parents nurtured her gift and ensured she was placed in an atmosphere to develop her skill as an artist. She practiced teaching her sister art and received encouragement and praise from her grandparents. Andrea’s elementary and art teacher (Mrs. Chappel) recognized her talent. Carolyn Venable (graduate of NSU art program) tutored Andrea in art during the summer from the sixth grade to middle school. Mr. Mike Middleton from Hickory High School advised and helped Andrea to compile her portfolio to enter NSU. Andrea’s art teachers from elementary to high school helped to develop her artistic skills and professors at TCC Chesapeake and Norfolk State University.
Andrea has received support throughout the years regarding art. Also, she has sown into her sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and children on the internet to help develop and encourage their artistic abilities. Andrea has over twenty-seven years of experience in the art field. In addition, Andrea has experience in event planning, project management, marketing, and communications. Regarding art, Andrea’s passion, there is no project too big or small. Andrea strives to provide excellent customer service for those ordering artwork from Take a Peake LLC.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, there is. I am currently going back to school to pursue a master’s degree which will help bring more knowledge to my business. I am excited about what is in store once I finish and the additional services that I will be able to provide to my customers.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth. Someone is always looking for an artist more than ever now because a lot of people are starting small businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://takeapeakeart.square.site
- Instagram: takeapeakeart
- Facebook: Facebook.com/takeapeakeart
- Other: [email protected]