We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Denille Obermeyer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Denille below.

Alright, Denille thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

It might sound cheesy, but every project is actually a meaningful one. Whether it’s a commissioned painting or one sold after creation, I donate ALL of my profit to the charity of the purchasers’ choice. The organizations range anywhere from cancer research foundations to clean water-well builds to sponsors for children all over the world. I also enjoy donating paintings to events for auction like school fundraisers and charity galas. I’m able to use my love of painting as a tool to bless others. It’s pretty cool!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My creative journey has been pretty random, with lots of twists and unexpected turns. I don’t like schedules or “normal” jobs. For that reason, I usually try to find unconventional ways to work. Over the years, I’ve learned how to turn my interests and hobbies into a way to make money. It’s taken time and courage to feel confident in this, but I’ve also enjoyed the flexibility to hop around from one creative venture to another or just do them all at once. It’s been difficult to embrace that I’m someone who does things differently, but through it all I’ve learned that deep down, I just LOVE creating things that bring people joy. Nothing is more rewarding than giving someone a finished product that I’ve put my heart into, and see their eyes light up, whether it’s a painting or something from my Etsy shop. I just like making people happy with the gifts God has given me!

But all of this is about so much more than making money. Thanks to these opportunities and the support of friends and family, I’m able to work from home, spend quality time with my kids, and also contribute to causes that mean a lot to our family. AND I get to glorify God through it all. For without Him, I’d have nothing.

It’s been an interesting and sometimes frustrating adventure, but I hope I continue to grow, learn, and touch other’s lives along the way!

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”. -1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

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

I think “non-creatives” maybe just have a hard time understanding unconventional schedules and routines. Most people like having structured days, but I don’t function well in that environment. Sometimes, my creativity doesn’t kick-in until late in the afternoon. And often, I’m up late at night working on tasks for my web design/social media jobs because that’s when my brain is ready to rock! I just kind of have to work when the mood strikes. It’s sometimes annoying even to me, but when I go with the flow, that’s when the best things are created and accomplished!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Gosh, where do I begin!? Being creative is so much fun for so many reasons. It’s satisfying to make things that people enjoy, whether on a gigantic canvas, on a screen, or something they can physically hold and cherish. But honestly, I also like knowing that I’m showing my kids that they CAN be anything they want to be. It might be hard, and it might take time to figure out your path, but it’s worth exploring and trying all the things that interest you. I encourage going to college. I encourage following passions. And I encourage making changes along the way if that’s what you decide to do. But I also think it’s incredible if you find your “thing” right away, and it’s what you end up doing for the rest of your life!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denilleeo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denilleeodesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denilleeoDesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denilleeo/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/denilleeo

Image Credits
Lisa Obermeyer