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

Eliza, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

As long as I can remember I’ve always loved to paint. I didn’t take my work too seriously until 2017 when I was going through a particularly rough time in my life. I was soon painting everyday and obsessing over my dog to take my mind off of difficult times. My family and friends were soon commissioning me to paint house and pet portraits. Painting really helped my mental health, and the enjoyment I get out of creating art for other people really drove me to keep going. I continued to paint for those around me, and worked a full time job.

It always made me nervous thinking about all the filters one can just throw over a picture, but there is just something about having something hand painted and carefully thought out. I believe customers out there want something unique and handcrafted, and that has really encouraged me. The orders kept coming, and I realized that this is a need that I could help fill in the marketplace.

During and after the pandemic I created an LLC and started setting myself up to paint full time. I also met my amazing husband during this time who supported all my ideas, and encouraged me to pursue my passions full time. I have to give him a huge amount of chops here. I was such a planner, and jumping into this unknown career from a steady job was a tough choice. In 2022 I officially made the plunge, and haven’t looked back.

Since pursuing my art career God has blessed me with finding work. I paint for Nine Fair Backgammon, run a successful etsy shop, started a website, and do commissions on the side. My pet watercolors are the most popular, and it has been an absolute joy hearing about how pets hold a special place in our hearts. I have so many ideas for more products! I’m so excited to see what the future holds for Eliza Funk Art LLC.

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

I’m most well known for my custom art. Having something highly personalized is a huge niche in a market where you can get almost anything in two clicks. Right now I’m offering hand painted pet and house portraits. My most popular is my watercolor art, but I also paint in acrylic. I also create custom greeting cards from the artwork. People always get a kick out of having cards with their pets faces on them. I’m excited to branch out and offer other products. I’m a huge believer in perfecting something before adding more.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I get a lot of repeat business. Building up my orders, fulfilling them in a timely manner, and then having them telling their friends and family about a positive buying experience. That has boosted my sales. I also try to post regularly on social media, showing my followers that i’m working on orders and creating new things. That familiarity helps boost the trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elizafunkart.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/elizafunkart
• Facebook: Eliza Funk Art
• Other: https://elizafunkart.etsy.com

Image Credits
N/A