We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Helle Urban a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Helle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

Art has always been my passion even from a young age. I graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. I earned a BFA in illustration. Early in my career reality set in with the difficulties of being a freelance illustrator. Back in the early 80’s, I felt I couldn’t compete against successful illustrators where men dominated. I decided to open an art gallery focusing on my fine art. I also painted commissioned portraits of people, pets. After several years I struggled to stay in business. I worked in the animation industry and also became a children’s book illustrator. All in all, I feel grateful for the work I have accomplished. Leaving a legacy as artist would be an honor. I would hope people would look back at my life as one who never gave up. Having set backs is all part of live but you don’t allow it to control you. I would hope to be remembered for being true to myself and creating art that brought joy to others.

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?

Being an artist is a challenge. I am always striving to learn new techniques. The saying goes, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know”. Having been an illustrator for so many years I feel proud of the work I have done but I’m always striving for more. I am always studying new techniques, reading, watching tutorials and taking workshops. The learning never stops. I’m currently learning to do Plein Air painting where I paint outdoors from life. My clients enjoy my oil paintings, I take on a lot of commissions for portraits as well. My goal is to make my client happy with the outcome of the piece. It warns my heart to see them smile, beaming with happiness when they’re holding their new painting.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

Shortly after graduating from Art Center my mom and I bought an Art Gallery in Solvang. Our hopes were high, I felt my dream was coming true. I was creating fine art, doing commissioned portraits. I put my illustration work aside to focus on fine art. After a few years the gallery was suffering due to the economy. Also our lack of experience in running a business proved to be our downfall as well. Even though we had to close it up we kept strong. It is still a dream for me to one day open another art gallery. Even if a dream seems impossible you don’t let it deter you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In life there are bumps in the road. There are challenges no matter what road you take. Lessons in life teaches us to stay strong, resilient and to never give up. Having to close the art gallery was really hard. I decided to forge forward and worked in various fields in the art field. I worked in animation as a back ground artist. I have had success illuminating children’s books. Painting commissioned portraits. My latest adventure is Plein Air painting and working in my studio. I belong to several art associations and submit paintings into shows. I’m doing what I love and feel blessed!

Contact Info:

• Website: ArtByHelle.com
• Instagram: art.by.helle
• Facebook: art.by.helle.urban

Image Credits
All photos by Helle Urban