Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Patricia Perman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Patricia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
I’ve been a visual artist as long as I remember, always drawing, painting and crafting. I didn’t really think about creating a business for a very long time. As I started to sell more art and people asked for commissions, I considered making this hobby into a business which was probably 5 years ago. It’s still a side hustle but I am hoping one day I can go full-time and support myself through my art. I figured steps along the way… for example, when I got asked for a portfolio, I created my website… when people asked how commissions worked, I created a FAQ guide and so on. As I have a lot in place now, I am starting to become more proactive… anticipating what comes next or where I want to be in a few years.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a visual artist focusing on painting and drawing portraits using my own non-realistic style. I love to portrait strong and brave women, using bold and bright colors as well as gems and resin for the final finish – making my portraits shine! My goal is to inspire women of all ages to create + express themselves, reducing gender inequality in the (art) world.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Yes, for sure! I wish I had the internet and Social Media back then :) Today, you can look up any technique on YouTube, compare art supplies online and get inspiration on Social Media. Back when I tried to get into galleries, I had to drive to the public library and write down addresses from the directory for LA galleries… then get my art photographed on slides (which was very pricey) and start mailing the slides out. Today I can do all of this within minutes from home. I can also follow art galleries to see what audience they are focused on and what art they prefer to show… saves me (and them) many steps.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being an artist is part of who I am. I can’t not create. Art is therapy for me. I create in solitude, like most artists, and it helps me to work through anything that is on my mind. I have to figure out many small challenges when creating but there is a lightness to it… it’s different from finding solutions for work-related problems. It’s a sort of positive pressure :) I enjoy this process and have realized it also helps me solve work-related problems. I also enjoy it very much when people love my art and want to own a piece of my art. Seeing my art in someone’s house gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patriciaperman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patyperman_art/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/patricia-perman-los-angeles?osq=patricia+perman