We recently connected with Peggy Boyd and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Peggy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The one project that stands out for me over the many years that I’ve done, was a studio project for Meredith Publishing; Creative Home Division. The project I was asked to do, was a large magazine layout that would be the focus of that month’s issue. A designed and hand painted sunroom/breakfast room reflective of one that I had designed in my own home. What I wasn’t aware of initially was, it would end up being an artist’s profile piece as well. I was asked to create everything in the studio onsite at Meredith. Several French country painted furniture projects, faux stone walls and a faux floor to recreate the feeling of an old world, European atmosphere. This was to be accomplished with using “just paint”. This soon became my tag line in many of my articles, interviews and teachings.

The article itself wasn’t the challenge, it was the first time I was under such a pressured time line and overwhelming expectations to deliver. By the time all was approved, products available, and editors had their input, I was left with only 10 days to get it all completed and delivered. I was painting a table, a banquette, chairs, a hutch, walls, floor and installation…not to mention, photos and instructional story on how to achieve the look. “Wow, was I in over my head,?” It had gone through my mind many times! I felt like I had worked for those 10 days without sleep, I was exhausted. My husband was right there helping at every turn. He even took time off work to help with installation of the project. It was an “all in the family” activity for nearly 2 weeks.

At the final shoot of the project I was told they needed photos of me in the setting. They explained that they were focusing this issue in their Paint Decor Magazine on a couple spotlighted artists and I was one of them. It was very exciting and overwhelming to think my hard work and art was finally getting recognition nationally. I was actually going to be able to represent myself as the designer, creator and artist that I had been working toward.

The issue ended up covering a 13 page layout that included my bio, art career and instructional article on my project. To my surprise it was the primary story in that issue. It was also one of their best selling issues, according to my editor. For me this is probably one of the most memorable, challenging and fulfilling projects I’ve had the privilege of completing. In short, this was not only acknowledging my direction in art, but setting the path firmly in front of me.

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

Professional Artist of 30 Years Design, decorating, staging, and styling for both stores and magazines only scratch the surface of my career and background. I am the author of two instructional books on decorative furniture written for Plaid Enterprises and has been a brand ambassador for Plaid since the early 2000s. My expertise has been featured in over 12 national publications including Better Homes & Gardens (Paint Decor & Creative Home), Meredith Publications, and more.

I have been a guest speaker and instructor for Des Moines Home and Garden Show, West Des Moines Adult Education Programs, and Des Moines Art Alliance while running my previous business, Peggy Boyd Designs. During this time I was a contributing member of Drake University and University of Iowa Entrepreneurial Programs because of my extensive background in store operations, gallery management, vendor management, and small businesses.

Over the years I have had the privilege of working with some of the best creative brands and communities in the industry including Dynasty Brush, FM Brush Co, Paint Works, Society of Decorative Painters, FolkArt (Plaid), Des Moines Art Center, and West Des Moines Valley Junction.

After all the years of having a successful brick-and-mortar gallery along with published designs and works, it was difficult to figure out the next phase of my artistic career. With all the challenges of staying relevant and understanding today’s digital world, it seemed a bit overwhelming. “Trying to reinvent yourself after 25 years of traditionally styled decorative art isn’t easy”. I decided to take the leap with our move to Houston. “New city, new ideas, new image..Why not?”.

Starting out as a blog about my projects, intending to inspire like-minded creatives and DIYers that just needed that little push, is how The Creative Find was born. Little did I know this was going to reignite my own creative fires within. Nudged along by my family to formally brand and promote my creations online, my creative spirit was once again galvanized.

I reside in Katy, Texas by way of Iowa, living an active life with my husband, Mark. I spend most days painting in my cozy, colorful home studio where I love to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork and run my passive online business. I am a lover of gardening and nature, drawing much inspiration from the scenic palette of flowers and birds in my backyard. I am a certified decorative artist with an extensive background in brush techniques, color, paint, acrylics, and instructing. You can find my work at www.TheCreativeFind.com or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Recently launching my print designs through Society6. All this can be found and ordered through my website. For inquiring more about my work and custom projects please feel inspired to email me~ [email protected]

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The one main thing an individual can do to help support the creative market and the craftsmen of the world is the obvious… “Buy from them”! We always hear people state how much they love the hand-made or they want one-of-a-kind, but to actually get someone to purchase is where the true support comes from. Not just the words. I realize going to the big box stores is convenient and cheaper, but most of us that are creating are NOT selling to the big box stores. That stuff is throw away cheap imitations of true art and craftsmanship. I am guilty of shopping those stores on-line and locally as well, but for every 10 times you go to one of “those” stores, just once order or buy from a small business owner. You would be surprised how that would feed the creative ecosystem if everyone did 1 in 10 purchases with a local or small business. It would truly save a market on its last breath. I have seen and been in many art shows where the only people making money are the food vendors, the ticket office or the booth rental. We can’t do art shows if nobody is buying and the booth fees keep increasing. I can say from experience there is nothing more defeating or unmotivating than spending 3 days standing at a sale, after months of preparing & setting up POS services only to realize you haven’t even covered your entry fee.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In my case I started selling art and designing before the internet was as popular for artist’s as it is now. I didn’t have the opportunity to grow up with Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, or Pinterest. It was something I had to learn along the way. I think if I could have mastered the online social sites and worked with the digital world a little earlier in my career, I would have had a better understanding of the whole “online” marketing and buying aspect. By the time I started using it, there was a lot of catching up for me to do. I was very fortunate that my son’s were very versed in this social explosion and gave me the push to get on board. These are the ones that are successful in the online world, the ones that grew up knowing no other way, for the rest of us we have to work overtime learning a whole new language, so-to-speak.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TheCreativeFind.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativefind
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecreativefind
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecreativefind/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecreativefind
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thecreativefind
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/thecreativefind