We recently connected with Dawn Gerety and have shared our conversation below.

Dawn, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Arts and crafts have always been my passion. As a child, I would lose myself for days in various creative pursuits – sewing, beading, soft sculpture, drawing, painting. In high school, I eagerly enrolled in as many art and pottery classes as I could, always hungry for more. My enthusiasm led me to pursue studies in fine arts and architecture in college. Initially, I saw architecture as a means to marry creativity with a viable career path. However, upon graduating in 1992, I found myself at a disadvantage due to my lack of computer skills. The industry was rapidly shifting towards technology, and I felt left behind. Ironically, I managed to secure an entry-level design position at a small business, where I spent the next 25 years honing my craft as a freelance graphic designer. I taught myself the necessary design programs and successfully ran my own small business by the age of 24.
Fast forward to the present, I’ve transitioned from digital art to painting on canvas. Embracing the title of a fine arts “artist” has been both fulfilling and challenging. Unlike the anonymity of graphic design, selling art requires establishing personal connections with buyers. This shift demanded that I step out from behind the monitor and immerse myself in the world of marketing and self-promotion, which initially proved daunting.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I enlisted the help of a business and marketing consultant to navigate the complexities of building my brand and selling my artwork online. Though the process was arduous, I’ve come to embrace it, recognizing the necessity of staying present and adapting to technological advancements and market trends.
Ultimately, pursuing a career in something I love has required me to acquire a diverse set of skills beyond my artistic abilities. Despite the challenges, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life as an artist. It’s been a journey filled with hard work, but the rewards have made it all worthwhile.

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

I specialize in acrylic painting on canvas, aiming to infuse the world with joy and color through my creations. Utilizing vibrant hues and whimsical shapes, I craft visual narratives that evoke smiles and positive emotions. The process of creating art brings me immense satisfaction, particularly as I incorporate a signature use of dots and swirls.

Initially inspired by water, I began incorporating swirls into my artwork, a motif that has since evolved into an abstract element present throughout my pieces. My subject matter is diverse, reflecting the beauty of my surroundings, from animals and mountains to activities like backcountry skiing and surfing, as well as serene landscapes.

Often characterized as “Alaskan” without falling into the stereotypical category of “Alaskana,” my style is described as timeless yet contemporary, whimsical yet universally appealing across all ages. I pride myself on being approachable and collaborative, deriving fulfillment from bringing joy to others through my art.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I made a pivotal decision to enlist the expertise of a marketing consultant, and it turned out to be the most valuable investment I’ve made in my painting career. Over the course of six months, she equipped me with an array of business tools tailored for marketing on social media, fundamentally reshaping my approach to art as a business.

The biggest realization for me was the need to transition from viewing my art as a mere hobby to recognizing it as a legitimate business endeavor, all while preserving the magic of the creative process. Embracing this shift meant approaching my art with a business mindset rather than merely waiting to see what unfolds.

Venturing into the realm of social media was initially uncomfortable for me. I struggled with the idea of drawing attention to myself and promoting my work. Thankfully, my consultant guided me in creating content that felt authentic and comfortable, enabling me to effectively engage with collectors.

Throughout this journey, I’ve had several enlightening moments:

Consistency is key. Staying true to my style and maintaining consistency in my posts is essential for building a genuine following.
Avoid the trap of comparison. Each artist’s journey is unique, and focusing on my own growth is more productive than comparing myself to others.
Share what I’m proud of. If I don’t showcase my work, no one else will have the opportunity to appreciate it or purchase it.
Quality over quantity. Cultivating a small, loyal following of art enthusiasts is more valuable than amassing a large number of passive followers.
Engagement trumps likes. While likes may provide a temporary dopamine boost, genuine engagement and connections with followers are what drive sales and long-term success.
Know my audience. Understanding my target market and tailoring my content accordingly, whether it’s through Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, or other platforms, is crucial for effective marketing.
Art evokes emotions. Creating content that resonates with my audience on an emotional level fosters meaningful connections and drives sales.
Learn from others. Observing and studying successful artists worldwide, their branding strategies, social media presence, newsletters, and online galleries, provides invaluable insights for staying relevant in the ever-evolving art market.
In essence, my journey with the marketing consultant has not only transformed my approach to marketing but has also reinforced the importance of embracing the business side of art while staying true to my creative vision.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

na

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ArtSeriously.com
• Instagram: dawngeretyart
• Facebook: dawn gerety

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