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

J. Lenee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I feel as though becoming successful in the art industry as a painter/Illustrator requires a combination of talent, hard work, perseverance, and a unique perspective that sets you apart from others. I feel it’s essential to develop your authenticity and create art that you love rather than trying to cater solely to the preferences of others. A big part of this industry for me is Cultivating my Unique Point of View: my perspective and individuality are what makes my art stand out. I spend a lot of time introspecting and exploring my own thoughts, experiences, and emotions in order to create art that I ultimately love. Success in the art industry is subjective and can mean different things to different artists. Ultimately, finding fulfillment in my own artistic expression and creating art that I am passionate about is my primary focus. By staying true to myself, I have attracted those who appreciate and connect with my work.

J. Lenee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Becoming an artist was a natural progression for me, as my love for art began at a young age. As a child, I found immense joy and fulfillment in creating artwork, and this passion only grew stronger over the years. However, it was in high school that my artistic talent truly blossomed, thanks to a mentor who recognized my potential in drawing portraits. Their guidance and support played a crucial role in shaping my artistic skills and providing me with the confidence to explore my creativity further. In my adult years, I decided to venture into the world of paint mediums, and it was a transformative experience. Working with paints allowed me to express my emotions and ideas in a whole new way. From there, my artistic journey expanded exponentially. I delved into various artistic endeavors, providing paintings, illustrations, and graphic design services. Each new medium I explored brought fresh challenges and opportunities for growth. Recently, I have also discovered a passion for creating miniatures and dollhouses. This new avenue has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to merge my artistic talents with my fascination for creating intricate and detailed worlds. What sets my work apart is that everything I do is heart-centered. Each project I undertake is approached with utmost care and dedication. When clients approach me with potential projects, they can rest assured that I treat their vision as if it were my own baby. I believe in the power of personal connection and invest myself emotionally in each piece I create. My art is not just about aesthetics; it is about infusing emotion and soul into every stroke of the brush, every line drawn, and every pixel designed. I strive to capture the essence of my subjects and bring their stories to life through my artwork. My goal is to create art that resonates with my clients on a profound level, evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impact. Whether it’s a painting, an illustration, a graphic design project, or a miniature creation, I pour my heart and soul into every aspect, ensuring that the end result is a unique and meaningful work of art. I invite potential clients to explore my portfolio and witness the love and dedication that goes into every piece. When they entrust me with their artistic vision, they can expect a collaborative process where their ideas and dreams are treated with the utmost respect and care. My commitment is to deliver art that not only meets their expectations but also surpasses them, leaving them with a cherished masterpiece they can treasure for a lifetime.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it posed significant challenges to many businesses, including my paint and sip classes. As restrictions were implemented and social gatherings became limited, the traditional model of hosting paint parties and events became unfeasible. However, I recognized the need to adapt and find a way to continue sharing the joy of painting with others during these challenging times. With creativity and determination, I decided to pivot my business and explore new avenues to connect with my audience. I introduced the concept of “paint night boxes” to provide a unique and enjoyable painting experience that could be enjoyed at home or on the go with family and loved ones. These paint night boxes were carefully curated packages that contained all the necessary materials for a memorable painting session. Each box included a canvas, high-quality paints, brushes, and step-by-step instructions for creating a specific painting. I made sure to select a variety of appealing and engaging painting designs to cater to different tastes and skill levels. The transition to paint night boxes allowed me to reach a broader audience, beyond the confines of a physical location. People who were unable to attend in-person events due to social distancing or other concerns could now experience the joy of painting from the comfort and safety of their own homes. To promote the paint night boxes, I utilized various marketing channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and partnerships with local businesses. I also offered virtual painting sessions through video conferencing platforms, where participants could join together online and paint simultaneously, creating a sense of community and connection despite the physical distance. The response to the paint night boxes was overwhelmingly positive. Many customers appreciated the flexibility and convenience of being able to paint at their own pace, and the kits also made for delightful gifts for loved ones during the challenging times of isolation. Despite the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, the pivot to paint night boxes not only helped sustain my business during challenging times but also opened up new opportunities for growth and expansion. Even as restrictions eased, I found that the demand for at-home painting experiences remained strong, and I continued to offer these kits alongside my traditional paint and sip events. Through this experience, I learned the value of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of understanding and meeting the changing needs of my customers. The pivot during COVID-19 not only enabled me to navigate the crisis successfully but also reinforced my commitment to providing meaningful and enjoyable artistic experiences, no matter the circumstances.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media can be a challenging but rewarding journey. I decided to take an organic and genuine approach that evolved over time. My journey began with posting things I liked without a specific strategy. This authenticity and passion for my art resonated with my early followers. People are drawn to creators who are genuinely passionate about their work, and my love for what I do shone through in my content. As you started to pay attention to my social media presence, I began studying the platform’s algorithm. Understanding how the algorithm worked allowed me to optimize my posts to reach a wider audience. To further grow my audience, I reached out to social media strategists. Their guidance and expertise helped me refine my approach, giving me insights into best practices, trends, and strategies to reach a broader audience. Currently As my social media presence is expanding, I recognized the value of delegating some tasks to professionals. By hiring a social media manager and strategist. This way I can focus more on my clientele and creating art, while still maintaining an active and engaging social media presence. Ultimately for me it all boils down to Consistency: I’ve learned over the years that building an audience on social media requires consistent effort which sometimes can be challenging.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jleneecreative.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jleneecreative
• Facebook: facebook.com/jleneecreative
• Other: my coloring book on amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JF1VD99