We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalya Hutchinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalya below.
Natalya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents understood that I wasn’t like most kids. I’m sure most parents would say that about their children, but I mean I was…different. Engaging with others wasn’t my forte. It didn’t matter if it was family or not, I just didn’t. I was an observer. I had to understand what I was getting myself into before dipping my toe. Because of that, my parents couldn’t handle me the same way as my older sibling. As I observed, they observed too which led them to know as a young child that I enjoyed expressing myself through drawing and coloring. That was my way of communicating. I’d lock myself in my room and work on perfecting a project like it was the absolute only thing in the world that mattered. “The perfectionist”, that’s what I was called. Though I enjoyed my arts, projects, and school work, my parents placed me in sports for more communication encouragement. I still rarely spoke, however, because of my competitive and perfectionist spirit I excelled in that too…so I stayed for the next 12 years of my life.
I had my “aha!” moment of not bartering for new parents 5 years ago. Five years ago was when I understood that I wouldn’t have been able to explore my dreams had it not been for them believing in my dreams and not rushing me out the house. I’ve always wanted to be an artist and designer. They believed in my dreams, but I still had to work for it. My mother always told me growing up “if you want to pursue this, you have to speak to people”. That stayed with me as I pushed myself more to be in spaces that I’d run from. I had to continue to grow.
My support started with my parents. With that kind of grounded environment, I’ve approached life in a brighter way. I’m confident in my skills and undeniable talent. Now people can’t get me to stop talking when I’m passionate about something. lol
Natalya, 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?
I am an artist, graphic designer, and health enthusiast using my natural abilities to connect, teach, and inspire. I specialize in painting, illustrations, printmaking, photography, and Adobe CC (Illustrator, photoshop, InDesign, and Lightroom). Though I specialize in these mediums, I enjoy overall just creating with whatever material is needed for a project. I’m currently learning Adobe AfterEffects and UX Design & Research. I refuse to limit myself.
I’ve been painting on clothing and canvas for my peers since high school. After college, I painted my first animal painting that got the notice of old friends and they trusted me enough to paint a portrait for them. That lead me to stepping outside my comfort zone to create more for individuals that I didn’t know. While creating custom paintings, I was also an art teacher for 5 years. I had the honor of showing young children from ages 5-18 that the traditional way doesn’t always have to be the only way to achieve their dreams. Last year, I took a leap of faith and was granted my first corporate graphic design position. I am a self-taught designer. Starting in 2020 after graduating from U of H in Arts Leadership, I rebranded and recreated my website to signify my vision and mission for my audience. I also added a new store with products showcasing my artwork and inspirational clothing. Currently, I am offering several services including:
– To be on retainer for small to medium size businesses who need consistent graphic work
– Logos and Branding
– Non portrait paintings (canvas, paper, murals, etc)
– Photoshoots (Maternity, content creation, and events)
– Custom created clothing materials/accessories
– Custom heat pressed shirts
– Graphic work (ie. menus, flyers, postcards, magazines, books, etc)
I bring clients’ ideas to reality. I have a high emotional intelligence which allows me to understand any individual better than they know themselves at times. I can acknowledge what a client didn’t know they needed.
I’m most proud of my optimistic and realistic viewpoints. Without them, I wouldn’t be here to say that anything is possible. Believing in yourself and understanding that there will be obstacles that are needed in order to inhibit growth are important. This is why I create and create for others. My brand, ImaNATural (I’m a Natural) is about finding that burning desire you have and unleashing it to the world. It’s knowing that we all have a gift and place in life, it’s up to us to do the work to follow that path of purpose. ImaNATural touches on going back to our roots and seeking where we come from in order to walk through life in power.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the freedom to release from our minds and turn it into beauty. I also enjoy connecting with the audience through my work and seeing their faces in shock.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn the narrative of the “struggling artist and creative”. I was a vendor at my first event and a lady walked up to my table wanting my painting. She just knew what she wanted and the price wasn’t an issue. I came home with $500+ that included that painting. All I had to continue to do is find my audience that embodied her.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imanaturalartist.com
- Instagram: @imanaturalcollection
- Facebook: @imanaturalartist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanatural/