Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashlynne Berkebile. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashlynne, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

After leaving my career in mental health, I needed to find a hobby or something to occupy my mind and allow myself to just let go. That is when I started painting and completely fell in love. I honestly didn’t think it would be anything but a therapeutic hobby. A couple of months into painting, I started to build up a collection and my family encouraged me to set up at a local festival to try to sell some pieces and make room for more. It is no exaggeration when I say that event changed everything. I was absolutely terrified preparing for this event – I almost backed out. But the response was overwhelming… I had a blast connecting with so many new faces… And I sold some paintings! It was two days under a tent enjoying the sun and sharing my art with so many kind and supportive souls. After reflecting and taking it all in I realized I could do this. I could make a living doing something I absolutely love in a way that I truly enjoyed. I still return to that event every year and am so grateful that it led me down this path.

Ashlynne, 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?

Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I started out with a Bob Ross oil paint set and began teaching myself by watching Ross’s “The Joy of Painting.” I had never painted before, but it felt like it was always inside of me. It poured out and I became lost in it. I used the Bob Ross videos to learn some different techniques, but started to get frustrated so I switched it up. I began using acrylic paints and stopped watching videos. I just went for it and found my own style, which is what my business is now based on – free flowing creativity with no expectation or judgment. I use a paper towel dabbing technique that allows me to keep a very free and relaxed painting process. I create in the moment and allow the paint to guide the scene.

My products have adapted and grown with me through this process. The majority of my pieces are landscape paintings on canvas. I also provide handmade burnt wooden frames so any of my pieces can be framed. Finally, I create fun hand-painted functional items, including light switch covers and planters (which are my customers’ favorites!). I do not offer prints, so every piece is original and one-of-a-kind. All of my artwork is available for purchase on my website, but my heart is at the local markets and events where I am able to sell my work while connecting with my customers.

Since starting my business, I have moved back to my hometown in Pennsylvania and have been focusing on connection and growth. My favorite part about creating art is sharing it with the wonderful people that I am able to connect with. There is nothing more rewarding than having a complete stranger stop in their tracks because they see a piece that reminds them of something special or evokes an emotion that I had never intended. That is my why… Owning a small business is hard and a lot of work, but the connections I have been able to cultivate are worth more than any amount of money. I hope to give that same thing in return to my customers. My goal is to create a spark that stays with you, leaving you with a sense of connection and curiosity.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of this journey is the connection – connection to myself and to my community. Being an artist has helped me to find myself (this is still a work in progress) and move closer to who I truly am and have always been. Transitioning from my previous job in the mental health field to owning a creative business was difficult at first, but once I let go of expectations and preconceived beliefs I found a sense of freedom that has allowed me to be my authentic self. In turn, this has helped me to really connect with people in my community on a deeper level. I am still amazed at the conversations that will come up when I meet a new customer and we start chatting about my work. A conversation sparked by a starry night sky will lead to sharing stories about childhood memories. Artwork and creativity evoke emotion and to be able to share that with others is the reason I do what I do. Painting is fun and I enjoy the process, but I am in my element when I am out and about at local markets and events talking and connecting with others.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I began my creative journey, I was very self-conscious because everything was new and I felt that I had no idea what I was doing. To be honest, I even struggled with the thought of not having a “real job” and chasing a dream. I was very private about my creativity and the various behind the scenes aspects of running a business. This is my one regret. It took me about a year to begin reaching out and utilizing resources that were available to me. Once you start digging, there are so many resources out there to assist with and educate about everything you need to know to run a creative small business. Personally, I now have a one-on-one business coach and am enrolled in a creative business program that provides funding and resources for creatives to help accelerate their businesses. With the help of these resources, I have earned an entrepreneurship grant, received a scholarship to a craft school to improve my skills, had a branding photoshoot, and so much more! I am so grateful for my community, as there is currently a huge push for supporting local businesses and the resources are abundant. However, I think the most beneficial resource to me was (and still is) other creatives. Since putting myself out there, I have made so many small business friends and we are constantly helping each other find events, brainstorm product ideas, and venting when things get difficult. They understand the world of navigating a small business and it is so helpful to have them for support and advice when I need it.
My advice to anyone starting a creative business will always be to reach out for help. So many of us are in the same boat and we are all better off when we come together and help each other because, in reality, we all need a little help sometimes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.azoilscapes.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/azoilscapes
• Facebook: facebook.com/azoilscapes
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
BridgePerspective