We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Bladh recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
It wasn’t the first time I ever got paid for my art, but it was the first time I got paid by someone I didn’t really know! I’ve been painting and drawing for a long time, so growing up I gave away a lot of paintings to friends or family, or maybe a relative would give me a little money for a painting, but never anything super official. But in December of 2018 I made an instagram account for my art, and I started calling myself an artist and telling people I could paint things for them for a price! I randomly met someone at a Christmas function at my in-laws’ church party, and we got to talking, and she asked me to paint a portrait of Santa for her! I remember when I delivered it to her and she gave me the money I took a picture in my car with the cash, because it was my first payment from a non-family member! I was so excited that someone else out there, that didn’t really know me, cared to spend their hard earned money on MY art! It was so so happy!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’ve always loved art- I painted and drew a lot as a kid (like most kids) and never really grew out of it, so that’s what I studied in college, and that’s what I do now! I do mostly representational still life or landscapes. In my art I like to romanticize ordinary places and things. I think I have an ability to see the beauty all around me-even filling up at the gas station, loading my car in the Walmart parking lot, or making breakfast. I try to focus on the joyful and beautiful moments in everyday life-capturing a sunset on the way to the grocery store, or appreciating the way the light is hitting jar of kitchen utensils. It’s all in effort to be more present, to show gratitude for my little life exactly how it is right now. My paintings are for the sentimental, nostalgic type- for the folks that love to memorialize special moments and places. My paintings help a house feel more like home. They’re relatable and explore the shared feelings that common things can univerally evoke.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Buy local, and shop small! Whether it’s buying a gift for a friend, or decor for your own home, there’s always an artist you can get it from instead of a big store. And just think about the difference it makes in the maker’s life compared to if you bought a print at Target. Follow creatives on social media, look for local galleries or craft shops in your area to support! They almost always have great events!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Oh, I love this question! There are so many good resources out there. I really like listening to podcasts- One of my favorites is The Creative Peptalk Podcast. It’s SO helpful for all things creative career. Some other podcasts I’ve also found really helpful are Don’t Keep Your Day job, How to Sell Online, Online Marketing Made Easy, and the Entreleadership podcast. Books I’ve read and I think have made a great impact: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, I didn’t Do the Thing Today by Madeleine Dore, Skip the Line by James Altucher.
Contact Info:
- Website: hannahbladhfineart.com
- Instagram: @hannahbladh_art