We recently connected with Belinda Hamilton and have shared our conversation below.

Belinda, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I am admittedly, a “Jack of All Trades”. I went from being an HPD officer, to an Artist, to an Author/Illustrator. I love painting slice-of-life paintings and have always looked for ways to add people with interesting stories into my work. Having served as a patrol officer on the streets of the Galleria area of Houston, Tx expediently broadened the scope from that of my humble beginnings of growing up in the quaint and sleepy town of Dumas, Tx.
As long as I can remember, I have enjoyed creating, whether through use of various painting mediums, or making up stories and performing them for friends on the faux stage, aka, southern-style-porch of my fairytale childhood.

As you can see, I literally put myself in my art. Like I said, I am best described as a “Jack of All Trades”, which surprisingly makes my ADHD an asset. I try to find laughter and humor in every thing and apply it to my work whenever possible. My goal being, to put a smile on the face of everyone I come in contact with; especially my audience for which I primarily write and illustrate for, within the pages of mine, and other author’s Children’s Picture Books.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For over 20 years I had a career as a fine artist and watercolor teacher. I used traditional methods and loved the loose flow and brilliance that naturally come with watercolors. Then, one fateful day, I was approached about writing creatively for my church. I’d studied drama in college, and at one time in my life wanted to be a drama director. I loved hashing out the dialogue process and giving life to characters, much like I did in my figurative paintings. Then, when that gig ended, I found I really missed the writing process. So, the next logical step seemed to be to marry my two loves of art and writing, which led me to write and publish an easy reader, and a middle grade chapter book (the later co-authored with my grammar-guru sister), via traditional art mediums.
I finally, albeit reluctantly, gave digital painting a try and have never looked back. The speed with which I can work, edit, and deliver to my clients is well worth the learning curve I had to overcome. However, I think it needs to be said that my previous fine art training has proven invaluable. Plus, thankfully, I learned the old school the art of creating a viable storyboard for a children’s book. That’s a science within itself and something my clients appreciate.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I always chuckle when someone says, “you are so talented.” I wish that were true; however, every level of success that the good Lord me has allowed, has come from a lot of trial and error, and hard (sometimes frustratingly hard) work. But, I believe, it’s the struggle of the growth process that makes us who we are. The cocooned caterpillar-to-butterfly story surely attests to that.
What I’ve learned is: never take yourself too seriously, nor pretend to be something you’re not. Instead, do what you feel called to do, to the best of your ability, and just enjoy the ride.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Being the baby of my family I have always felt it my duty to entertain. I’m a bit of a clown, even though I struggled with minor shyness as a kid. But I’ve never gotten away from the inner desire to “make ‘em laugh”. I love laughter and stories that evoke a good ‘ol’ belly laugh.
When I worked as Drama Director at community centers and with children’s choirs, I loved pointing out to the kids that there are no small parts, only small actors. It was such fun showing them how to become the “star of the show” by performing minor character parts that have the power to “steal the show”.
Humor and creativity are powerful tools – use frequently.

Three years ago my business partner, Ruth Wheat and I, created GirlsJustWannaRetreat.com. From that I stay busying writing, speaking, creating, and illustrating a variety of projects. I can’t begin to tell you how rewarding it is to work alongside a friend. Our brainstorming includes lots of laughter as we constantly bounce ideas off one another. Our strong faith in Christ guides our moral compasses. Everything else is just is sprinkles on top.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://OnceUponAPicture.org
• Twitter:
• Other: GirlsJustWannaRetreat,com
  Fineartofamerica.com
  SCBWI.com

Image Credits

Readers Choice Book Awards 5 ⭐️ ratings
Readers Favorite 5 ⭐️
Firebird Book Award Winner

SCBWI P.A.L. Member