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

Jacqueline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Boy, I have had quite a few meaningful projects come through my art studio; however, the one that sticks out to me the most is the art I created for a boys best friend…his dog whose name was Wes. When this sweet pup passed away, it broke the entire family’s heart but especially there son Max. Max grew up with Wes, and like anyone who has a pet that is their best friend and family member, it is extremely hard to let go. When Wes crossed over the rainbow bridge into heaven, we decided to keep Wes’s spirit alive through my art. I had never worked with ashes before but let me tell you, I felt Wes next to me the entire time I was painting. Incorporating a beloved pet’s ashes into a painting is such a unique and heartfelt way to honor their memory. This process was extremely spiritual and emotional for us all. It was a privilege that the family trusted me with Wes. I will never forget it.

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

Jacqueline Smalley Custom Art began shortly after having my daughter Paige. I painted a canvas for her nursery, and my husband’s employee saw the painting on Facebook and asked where she could purchase it. I soon started taking custom orders, visiting people’s homes, listening to their stories and wants, and began painting custom pieces for their spaces.

I’ve always been artistic, majoring in theatre and minoring in art. I just love the arts! One of the main reasons I love what I do is because I get to really dial in on one’s personality and incorporate all their loves into one masterpiece, leaving little gems of curiosity in the painting that only they know are there because it’s their story. Painting custom pieces is hard! But with the right questions and the right amount of patience, you can give your client an art piece they can dive into any time they want.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The art business can be quite unpredictable. Social media is a powerful tool for staying connected with your audience and keeping your work top of mind. Posting consistently, even if it’s just a little, can make a big difference in reminding people of what you do. It’s all about finding that balance and making sure your audience stays engaged without feeling overwhelmed. After I posted my first canvas made in my daughter’s nursery and showed my followers what I could do, there was no turning back. I got pinched by the social media bug and just wanted to keep going. With any business, there will be times you question yourself, but don’t! Take a chance and keep at it. Especially if you are doing what you love. There isn’t anything more special than that.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing, hearing, or watching your clients’ expressions when they receive their artwork for the first time. Before I send pictures or videos to my clients of their new art pieces, I get a nervous hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. Especially when painting custom pieces, you never really know for sure if your client is going to love it as much as you do. And you spend so many hours on the art! If they don’t like it, you’re crushed! Devastated! But when they do love it…my goodness, it makes you realize you are in the right business!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/jacquelinesmalley
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinesmalleycustomart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineSmalley/