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

Palmer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Sooner! I was raised in a time when you were taught that you go to college, you get a good job, you buy a house, you save for retirement, etc. and for most of my adult life I really bought into the whole corporate, first one in, last one to leave,sell your soul, hustle culture. It wasn’t until being laid off during covid that I really reevaluated how I was living my life.

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?

I paint large scale geometric and abstract murals for homes and businesses. I have always been creative and have found my life to have more meaning when I am able to have a creative outlet. I got into painting professionally kind of by chance. I took a trip up to Portland, Oregon to help my friend with a business she was starting. I was there mostly to give interior styling help but while I was there my friend told me she wanted me to paint a mural for her. I was kind of taken back because I had really only pained for myself at that time and it was a lot of pressure to install a mural in someone’s business. My friend, who as always been one of my biggest supporters, simply said “nope, you can do it” in her very matter of fact tone that let me know it was a non negotiable and that she had full faith in my abilities. Things progressed from there when I was chatting with another friend who was opening a store space. She was trying to figure out decor for the wall and I just there threw out there that I would be happy to paint for her if that would be helpful. Things just kind of took off from there. I have now painted for her several times and made so many other small business contacts through her and through my many other amazing clients. I love working with people and helping make their visions come to life. I feel the most proud when I am able to see how my art makes their space complete and of course seeing how happy it makes them.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Oh gosh, this is a big one. I have pivoted so many times in my life. As far as business goes, I think a very important lesson to learn is that it is ok to pivot in your business. As with anything in life you should be prepared for ups and downs and know that even if you need to make changes that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong, it just means you are learning how to carve your own path.

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

When it comes to social media I am all about growing organically. In this day and age I think we all know anyone can just buy followers so that number doesn’t really have a lot of weight with me. Don’t get me wrong, I want to see my following grow, but I would much rather grow slowly with real people who are interested in what I am doing and excited to interact with me. Posting consistently is always important and providing content that is authentic and interesting to the people who follow you. I also love working with other small businesses and creatives to get the word out about what each of us is doing. Social media is so important these days so if you are starting a business, start focusing on your social media presence as soon as possible.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @paintingpalmer
• Other: TikTok @paintingpalmer