We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Just Dahl a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Just, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
Due to recent economic shifts, I’ve seen that consumers are not as ready and willing to invest in art as they are in basic necessities like food and shelter. I was crushed to think that I would have to give up painting and go back to the daily grind of something I could never enjoy as much as being a full-time artist. Seasonal fluctuations are always the most obvious in the first three months of the year. After my initial panic, I realized I don’t have to give up my dream of being an artist. I just need to shift for the moment, and remember that I have other talents too! So for now, I am balancing the work I love and the work I need to do to secure my present with a steady income.
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
I am a painter today, but I didn’t start my art journey as a painter! I was creative as a child, but as I got older, I didn’t consider myself an artist until I began down the path of a career in graphic design. I loved using the computer, especially the accuracy and perfection I could get using design software. However, now that I have developed my style and matured my expression through art, I love the freedom of a physical paintbrush! I started painting in 2019. I started with a small canvas, just five by seven inches, and a simple surf, sand, and bird composition. I loved it so much that I just kept painting. In 2020, I found myself out of a job and embraced the fact that I could be a full-time artist. It’s been about four and a half years, and now I’ve created over 2000 paintings! They range in size from a tiny two by three inches, all the way up to a statement piece of 30 by 40 inches. I set up at a local farmers market every Saturday and try to participate in other local art shows as often as my schedule allows.
I moved to Florida because I love the beach, so it’s no surprise that most of my work centers around the beach and coastal marine life. I love playing with different styles of painting and have recently branched out into painting tiny dog portraits.
The comment I hear most often from visitors to my booth is that they find my color palette very relaxing, and my style distinctive. I don’t see that in my work myself, but I truly appreciate seeing them smile as they get lost in the landscape I’ve captured.
I am most proud that no matter what life throws at me, I keep challenging myself and continue to develop my creative skills and style. I will continue to grow, learn, and broaden my horizons. I love the feeling of being at an art show where I can engage with people as well as other artists!
Because I started my career in graphic design, creating marketing visuals for clients with a specific brand voice, my own brand Just Dahl is important to me. I like consistency and aim to show that through colors, looks, and styles in my own art. I’ll take fresh inspiration and paint outside my comfort zone on occasion; these experiments unlock new techniques I continue to use.
Being an artist has been a big learning experience for me. I don’t think any of us ever stop learning. I want to spread the word about my art and let people find happiness in it.
People ask me, “how long does it take you to paint something?” I find it a difficult question to answer. I visualize my paintings in my head long before I pick up a paintbrush. And when I do get to painting, I put on my favorite music and get completely lost in the process. So I’m never really sure! But as long as my art turns out well, I don’t think it matters how quickly or slowly I create a piece.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
A sense of accomplishment is important to me. But the most important aspect is sharing my love of art with young budding artists. I learn so much from them and feed off their excitement.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My daughter is my favorite person in the world and she drives me to be the best and strongest I can be. She has been my biggest cheerleader for the past 5 years of being an artist. I strive to be known for creating work that gives peace and solitude in a world so full of chaos and uncertainty. I am building a legacy for my daughter. A story she can tell, show and be proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justdahl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justdahl_artist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justdahldesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justindahlstrom/
- Other: https://justabe2.myportfolio.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justdahl
Image Credits
All images copyright Just Dahl