Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Hanson . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hannah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Artistry is a journey that really is never finished; there are always more techniques to learn, mediums to explore, and passions to be grown. For me, learning fore-edge painting was a process of trial and error. I had to practice on many different books with differing scenes to grow my ability to paint with depth, detail, and accuracy. I spent time researching color theory, watching other artists paint, and received tips from others in the fore-edge community. Painting is not an art that can be rushed, it cultivates from practice and experience like many other talents; talent is passion pursued. One skill that I believe is essential for all artists is tenacity; the ability to continue to pursue your art in the midst of obstacles or opposition. When first starting as a fore-edge artist, the largest obstacle I was facing was my own self-doubt. I fell into a trap of comparing my own abilities to other artists and found them lacking, rather than valuing the talent that I was cultivating and enjoying the growth process. It was a vulnerable thing to put my artwork out for anyone to see and I was terrified of not being good enough. Over and over again the art community has proved those thoughts wrong, and I am so thankful for the friends and family that have supported me in my pursuit. A second skill that I have found necessary is patience. While art takes time, so does growing your reach and business. Growth does not happen overnight, and it may take months or years to see profit if you are selling art;,but the wait is so worth it!

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.

Hello there! My name is Hannah Hanson, and I am the owner of a small business based in Minnesota, Lilia Creatives, and specialize in foreedge paintings and wax seal stamps. Foreedge painting is the art of using watercolor to depict scenes on the side edges of books. I started wax sealing back in 2020 and foreedge painting in 2022. At first, they started as just hobbies but blossomed into a passion for painting and in September of 2022, after much preparation, I opened my Etsy store! Right now, I am focusing on foreedge painting and expanding my portfolio. I specialize in painting books by Tolkien, as I am a huge fan of Lord of the Rings, but also take commissions for other books as well! I recently finished a painting on Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Triology and have also painted the Harry Potter series, Bibles, and others. I love working with clients to understand their visions and hopes for different pieces; each commission is an intricate process of talking with the client, sketching, and starting to paint. I want each client to love their piece!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There is a plethora of rewarding aspects in being an artist,. However, one of the most rewarding ones for me is the opportunity to create pieces that brings joy and excitement to others! While the creative process itself is part of being an artist that I thoroughly enjoy, witnessing when clients light up as they see their pieces is so special to see. Connecting my passion of painting with client’s passions of specific books and stories is another of my favorite aspect of being an artist, especially when we connect over books that I love as well!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission for Lilia Creatives is a simple one but a mission that I deeply believe in; to utilize the gifts and talents that God has given me for His glory and to bring joy to others through my artwork. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to pursue my passion for painting in this avenue and am looking forward to continuing! I have several goals for Lilia Creatives that I am hoping to achieve from both creative and business standpoints. The foundational goal is to grow my talent in fore-edge painting! I am planning to branch out and start painting on other books and scenes that I have not had the opportunity to before such as Jane Austen and John Flanagan. I also would love to paint for clients from each continent, I am at 3 of 7, but Antarctica may be a little difficult. Long term, it would be amazing to paint full-time, but right now I am thankful for the opportunities to paint that I have.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/liliacreatives
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilia_creatives/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liliacreatives