We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shelby Ford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shelby, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I am absolutely thrilled to be an artist. Art has been my lifelong passion, and while I’ve faced challenges in pursuing a creative career, I’m convinced there’s no other path I’d rather follow. Regardless of my role or job, I’ve always been driven to create art. It’s an integral part of who I am, and I’m committed to it for life. Since launching my paint party company, I’ve found immense joy in sharing my passion with others, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
While the phrase “starving artist” exists for a reason, and it’s true that AI, plagiarism, and mass-produced art pose challenges, I firmly believe in the power of authentic creativity. At my events, I often meet talented individuals who may have studied art but hesitated to pursue it professionally. To them, and to anyone with an artistic spark, I say: embrace your talent! Participate in shows, join craft markets, and encourage your network to support your art. That first sale is an incredible confidence booster, and the rewards of a creative career are immeasurable.
The satisfaction of exploring new artistic territories daily, seeing clients cherish my commissioned pieces, and helping others unlock their creativity is unparalleled. While conventional jobs will always exist, I strongly advocate for everyone to explore their creative gifts. Art is not just a career for me; it’s a fundamental part of my identity and self-expression. I’m certain that without art, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I’m excited to continue growing and evolving as an artist.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Welcome to Let’z Paint, your premier mobile paint party service in Houston, TX! I’m Shelby, your passionate paint party host and owner, ready to unleash your inner artist anywhere. Our mission is clear: to enrich lives by making art both fun and accessible to everyone.
At Let’z Paint, we don’t just offer paint parties – we create unforgettable, customizable experiences. Our diverse range of party packages includes popular glass paint parties, exciting pottery painting sessions, canvas art, tote bag designs, and jewelry crafting. We’ve thought of everything, providing all painting supplies so you can focus on the fun.
What sets us apart? Our commitment to customization. Choose from our extensive painting catalog or request bespoke artwork for your event. Elevate your experience with our fantastic add-ons like custom-painted glasses and pre-sketched canvases. We offer unbeatable deals for first-time clients, loyal customers, and multi-event bookings.
Our versatile services cater to any occasion – from vibrant kids’ parties to sophisticated corporate events, intimate baby showers to lively holiday celebrations. With Let’z Paint, every moment becomes an opportunity for creativity and joy.
Our talented artists are more than instructors; they’re dynamic entertainers who guide guests through an engaging, personalized painting process. Say goodbye to dull art lessons – with us, each guest creates unique artwork they’re proud of, all while having an incredible time.
As a formally trained fine artist with experience in after-school programs and live nightclub painting, I recognized the critical need for accessible art enrichment. Let’z Paint is the solution to this gap, bringing the transformative power of art to everyone.
Art isn’t just a hobby – it’s therapy, a stress reliever, and a confidence booster. For children, it nurtures creativity and fine-tunes motor skills. For adults, it enhances memory and provides a healthy emotional outlet. Discover more about art’s incredible benefits at [www.letzpaint.art](http://www.letzpaint.art)/artisgood.
Ready to transform your next event into an extraordinary creative experience? Let’s make it happen! We bring the paint, you bring the party. Get your free party quote today at www.letzpaint.art and let’s create something amazing together!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
As artists, we thrive on unwavering support. Working artists and creatives require robust encouragement throughout their careers, as the artistic path demands resilience and determination. To quote the great Erykah Badu said, “I am an artist and I’m sensitive about **my ish**”. While it’s true that many artists face financial challenges, our passion drives us to create regardless of monetary gain. This dedication is what sets true artists apart.
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve found that during moments of doubt, the steadfast support of my lovely fiancé Brandon, family, and friends has been instrumental in reinforcing my commitment to my artistic journey. Their belief in my abilities has been a powerful motivator.
Another crucial element for creative success is active community engagement. When people share our work and services with others, it creates a ripple effect of opportunity. Even seemingly small actions, like commissioning an artist for personalized gifts instead of opting for mass-produced items, can significantly impact an artist’s success.
While art enriches all our lives, it’s time we prioritize allocating resources to support it. I propose three powerful ways to uplift artists: First, provide unwavering encouragement for them to persist in their craft. Second, actively promote their work within your networks and attend art showcases. Third, make a conscious choice to purchase art or art services directly from local artists in your community.
By embracing these practices, we can create a thriving artistic ecosystem. This support will enable more artists to profit from their craft, facilitating their growth and helping them achieve their artistic career aspirations. Together, we can build a world where creativity flourishes and artists receive the recognition and support they deserve.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to revolutionize the art world by making it vibrant, accessible, and truly representative. Growing up as a young Black girl, I faced a glaring absence of representation in the art world. This lack of diversity wasn’t just in galleries, but permeated my entire educational journey, from fine art high school through college. Even African art history classes were frustratingly out of reach, despite being one of the few Black students on campus.
Entering the paint party industry, I was struck by the same lack of diversity. I refused to accept this status quo. Instead, I boldly launched my own paint party company, determined to create a space that’s not just accessible and enjoyable, but fiercely inclusive. We celebrate diversity in all its forms – race, gender, and age are not barriers, but beautiful aspects of our creative community.
Inclusivity isn’t just important – it’s our core value. We’ve created an environment where every guest feels empowered to express their unique creativity. It’s incredible to witness the growth in our guests’ artistic confidence and interpersonal connections with each paint party. Ready to experience this transformative creativity for yourself? Take the plunge and get your free party quote now at www.letzpaint.art – let’s make art that truly represents all of us!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.letzpaint.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letzpaintparties/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094224957276
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/let-z-paint-houston
- Other: Book Today at www.letzpaint.art/book For 10% off your next event use promo code: CanvasRebelVoyage
Image Credits
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