We recently connected with Hannah Whatley and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

There are so many projects—from oil paintings to painted boots—that I’ve found meaningful. I would say that the projects that are commissioned are meaningful in a way that you get a personal looking glass into someone’s life. As you’re creating something for them, you feel very connected with that piece and almost like you know that subject. On the flip side, it’s also very meaningful to create something of my own from my weird ideas that someone else sees, connects to and says, “I NEED that.”

I create very specific artwork and put them on what I feel it belongs on—whether that’s a vintage hat or a size XL mens blazer. This means that someone has to browse, find a piece of art they connect with, see if they like that piece of clothing or object that it’s on, and then make sure they’ll fit in it. That’s a very small chance of selling any piece. But it’s so incredibly meaningful and worth it to see that connection when it does happen.

So basically I didn’t answer the question at all. But it’s hard to say just one piece I’ve found the most meaningful when they’ve all had such a big impact on me. I can still see and feel each piece of art that I’ve made and the look on the person’s face when they connect to it. It’s really special.

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

I’m an artist who began drawing and painting at a young age. My work stems from life experiences, humor, interests, pop culture and the crazy ideas my mind comes up with. I love creating a stir by expressing my style and my mediums—as well as the surfaces they go on—have no limits. ​
A blank shirt means a blank canvas. So, with my constant need to spice up my outfits, I would always take paintbrush to fabric to make wearable art. I have a love for design and fashion and that has been the influence behind What’s Her Name—where I turn my original artwork into main character pieces of clothing. As far as the materials go, I believe in sustainability and slow fashion, so everything is vintage and secondhand. This means that every single piece of clothing that I paint or print onto is a one-of-a-kind, no one else has it, work of art.

I also do commission paintings, graphic design, paint on objects of all kinds (my favorites have been mannequins), and more. I would say my style is a bit of surrealism and I am always inspired by the female figure.

Each step of the design process—conception, creation, printing and packaging—is done as a one woman operation. I am so proud of myself for following my passion as a full-time mom of two and student at the Academy of Art University getting my BFA in advertising. Who says you can’t do it all? No matter where life takes me, I’ll always have my art and won’t ever stop creating.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is, “an artist is not a career choice.” This was instilled in all of us at a young age—unless you’re a lucky one. You could choose to be a doctor or therapist or engineer, but being an “artist” is just a hobby. No one sets you up to actually follow your desired goal down a creative path. There isn’t really even a path to follow, you have to pave it yourself. I unfortunately didn’t know that I could really have a creative career until I turned 25. This is when I said “f*ck the haters,” put my head down and did what I’ve always wanted to do. You really have to ignore every single other person’s opinion and do what you want to do. Most creatives are fairly sensitive, in my experience, but you have to learn how to block out any doubt and have full trust in yourself and your work if you want to make it. We all have to unlearn that being creative is not going to get you anywhere in life. Look at us now, in 2024 and the world just keeps getting more creative.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is watching someone connect with a piece of art you’ve created. As an artist, it’s easy to feel like all the hard work and hours and weird ideas you’ve come up with aren’t going anywhere. But then someone tells you that your work made them feel something or that it reminds them of their favorite place. Whatever it is that connects someone to your art is always so special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whndesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahshername/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahshername
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahwhat/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/hannahwade2