We recently connected with April Stokes and have shared our conversation below.
April , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
My desire to be a professional artist was born in my Senior year of high school. I discovered my love for painting and how I was able to express myself and lose myself in the process of creating visual art. I went on an art careers trip with my art class to Vancouver, BC. It was an incredible experience and I was so inspired to continue my journey as an artist. I looked into visual arts programs in college but I was told by so many that I would end up a “starving artist” and that I should be more practical. At the time there were less opportunities for exposure as well. Social media was not really a thing yet and graphic design programs were relatively new as well. In the end I let self doubt win and I chose to take a different more practical route. As life has a funny way of doing, it side tracked me completely from creativity and I essentially turned that part of myself off. It wasn’t until 2021 after some serious battles with mental illness and feelings of being totally lost did I find my way back to painting. Now I absolutely know I need to and will pursue a creative path. It may be 20 years later but it’s never to late right? I couldn’t see myself doing anything else honestly.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am 38 years old and feel like I’m a late bloomer. It took many life lessons to be where I am today. There were times in my life I didn’t think I would be here at all. I am at the beginning of my dream journey and I am constantly learning new things! In fact I have some really fun new ideas in the works that incorporates epoxy resin. Currently I specialize in acrylic painting. I do fluid acrylic and also traditional brush work. My favorite style is to combine the two. I paint on pretty much everything that will let me!! I make jewelry, glass ware, canvases, wood art & stone art. I think my mission really isn’t just to create but to inspire others to follow their dreams. I have big dreams to one day open a business that allows people of all skill levels a safe space to express themselves creatively and fellow creative professionals to share and teach their skills. I truly believe art comes from the heart and soul. It is so healing to express oneself creatively and I want to provide that to my community and maybe one day multiple communities. My biggest inspiration is my family. I want to be the best version of myself for my husband and two young children. I want my children to know it’s never too late to follow your heart and your dreams. This past year and a half I have grown so much as an artist and in turn grown as a person. I can honestly say this is the first time in my life I truly believe in myself and that fills me with pride.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I started sharing my work on my personal page and friends would tell me “you need to get on YouTube & Tik Tok” I had no idea what I was doing. I mean I had some experience with Facebook and instagram just posting pictures and the basics. I was totally lost but that wasn’t going to stop me. So started the journey of teaching myself to video edit and how to use hashtags. Social media is so much more involved then I expected and it seems the rules are always changing but with a little practice anyone can make some amazing content! I have enjoyed multiple platforms but I would say my Facebook business page is my favorite and most successful at this time. The community of fellow content creators and small business owners is incredibly supportive and loving. I look forward to engaging with them everyday. My biggest piece of advice is to be authentic and make sure you take the time to know your audience and support them. They will support you back and yes it does take work! Building an audience isn’t easy but as a full time mom and a childcare provider on top of my art business if I can do it, so can you!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn that art needs to be perfect and that the end result is what counted the most. I am not sure where that notion even came from honestly but it’s something that was in my head. It led to so much frustration and anxiety!! Now I embrace that art doesn’t have to be picture perfect or even beautiful to be a work of art. It’s not about the finished product but the process. That’s the true value of it. Now that I have given myself that freedom I create some of the best work I have ever done and enjoy every second of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: Heart2handart.myshopify.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Heart2handart_TX
- Facebook: Heart 2 Hand – Art by April
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Heart2handart
- Other: TikTok – @Heart2handart