We recently connected with Linnea Maas and have shared our conversation below.

Linnea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

I moved to south Minneapolis after I graduated college and secured a solo exhibit in the city, in a darling little corner neighborhood coffee shop called Caffe Tempo. This was the analog era – I’d walked in with a stack of paintings, convinced the barista I should be the next exhibiting artist, and it worked. Within days I’d sold a handful of paintings and I was elated. My first three Robot paintings ever were all purchased by the same person (and I wish I’d kept better records of my clients back then! Shout out to my original collector). I couldn’t believe it, people I never met were engaged by my art! I thought, wow, okay, maybe I SHOULD keep making. I was contacted by another artist who wanted several of my paintings, and asked me if I’d be interested in doing a partial trade for his work. He invited me to his show where I saw live painting for the first time and I was enamored. That was a pivotal moment in my career and really connected me to the art community. We are friends to this day and frequently collaborate on creative endeavors.

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

I am a Visual Artist creating across digital and traditional media. My work is all about the sparks of human connection, empathy, and cultivating a voice. My work is brightly colored and bold with characters ranging from clouds, hearts, and birds, to imaginary landscapes and Robots who want you to know what they’re thinking. My art is made to bypass the brain layers that process language and activate the emotional core, where suddenly we open to connection, dare to be vulnerable, and allow love to ignite the drive to better the world by bettering ourselves.

I create works of fine art, illustration, and design. My products include original artworks: digital, drawing, acrylic paintings on canvas, paper, and other surfaces, commissions, and large scale murals.

I do performance art in collaboration with musicians where I create live art on stage, either creating on canvas with paint, or utilizing digital and creating virtual reality worlds. My two favorite projects are my BRUSHREED project where my collaborator Dr Jennifer Bill plays saxophone, and InsideTheRobot + DJ Paul Knox/Spree, who mixes electronic music that is unparalleled inspiration for creating my virtual worlds. It’s the most exciting thing I do.

I always knew I’d be an artist and I barely considered any other career. It’s definitely a rollercoaster ride as an artist, but I’m proud of my determination to keep creating. There are so many challenges as an artist where you try to turn your passion into your income but not sacrifice the deep values of the message you want to share. I’ve found a lot of satisfaction in working with charities and non profits, because art really can make a difference.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Attentiveness and genuineness with each client. I want every client to feel like they are the only ones on my schedule and all my energy is focused on making their visions come true. I’m able to give one on one, customized services to each person who comes to me for work. I truly feel connected when I’m able to bring life to someone’s ideas, and I think that comes through in the work.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth, and who you know. Constantly making connections and most importantly, doing the work on myself that will prepare me to say yes if an amazing opportunity shows up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://insidetherobot.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidetherobot/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheRobot/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linnea-maas-insidetherobot/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/InsideTheRobot
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@insidetherobot

Image Credits
Travis Anderson Photography, Kazar Librojo, Linnea Maas