We were lucky to catch up with Stacey Roberts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stacey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Honestly—just keep showing up. That’s been everything for me. Being an artist and chasing your passion isn’t the easy path. It takes serious dedication and a thick skin. There are so many moments where you feel rejected or wonder if you should just throw in the towel. But I’ve learned that if I push through those rough patches, new opportunities always seem to open up—sometimes through social media, sometimes through connections I’ve made just by putting myself out there.
A great example? I kept sharing my work consistently, and that led to the opportunity to show at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair. That experience opened the door to paint a portrait for Dave Portnoy—something I never could’ve predicted but was such a wild, exciting milestone for me.
I’ve learned to embrace the little wins too. Art isn’t usually an impulse buy. People often sit with your work—online or in person—for a long time before they decide to collect it. And that’s okay. Staying present and trusting the process matters.
I also rely heavily on my creative friends. I have an amazing circle of artists who support each other, trade ideas, and offer encouragement when things feel uncertain. That kind of community has helped me stay grounded and keep going.
So, if you’re wondering what it takes: keep showing up. Keep creating. You never know who’s watching or what’s around the corner.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I create bold, expressive paintings that reflect the world around me—through pop realism, personal narratives, and a love for color that’s impossible to ignore. My work captures moments that feel both nostalgic and immediate, playful and reflective.
I didn’t take a traditional path to becoming a full-time artist. I juggled other responsibilities for years, painting whenever I could. But I always knew this was the work I was meant to be doing. Now, I wake up and paint most every day—sometimes obsessively, sometimes playfully—but always with purpose.
I offer original paintings and limited edition prints for collectors who connect with my vision. My pieces range from larger-than-life pop-inspired works to more intimate portraits that tell a personal story. Each one is layered with detail, emotion, and a little humor—because life’s too short to take everything so seriously.
What I’m most proud of? That my art resonates with people. Whether it’s someone who sees themselves in a painting or a collector who tells me they still think about a piece they saw months ago—that connection means everything to me. And while big moments like painting for Dave Portnoy or showing at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair are huge, it’s those one-on-one connections that stick with me.
I’m always creating something new, experimenting, and sharing the behind-the-scenes mess and magic. Follow along if you want art with personality and heart—and if something speaks to you, don’t be shy. I love hearing from collectors and fellow creatives alike.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, it’s the connection. Nothing beats the feeling of someone looking at a piece I painted and feeling something—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or something they didn’t expect. I’ll never forget the opening night of my very first art show. People were taking photos with my work, walking up to me to tell me what they saw or felt in the painting—it was surreal and so validating. That was the moment I realized my work doesn’t just sit on a wall—it starts conversations and sparks emotion.
Another really rewarding part has been the recognition I’ve received from brands. I’ve painted a lot of iconic products—Tootsie Roll, McDonald’s, Wonder Bread—and it’s been so cool to see those brands notice and appreciate my work. They’ve even sent me swag, which is such a fun, full-circle kind of moment. It feels amazing to have my art recognized by names that are part of everyday culture. I’d love to collaborate professionally with some of them in the future—that’s definitely a dream I’m working toward.
And of course, the painting process itself is rewarding, too. Even when it’s hard or messy, it keeps me grounded and connected to something bigger than myself. It’s the thing that brings me back to center, over and over again.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

How did I build my audience on social media?
Honestly, I was not someone who loved putting myself out there online. Before I started my art account, I barely shared anything personal. So when I began posting my work, I was nervous—really nervous. But I knew if I wanted people to discover my art, I had to get more comfortable being visible. It gets easier the more you do it.
At first, I kept it simple—just sharing my paintings. But over time, I realized I actually liked showing my art with a bit of my personality. I did Improv Olympics when I lived in Chicago, so humor and play have always been part of how I express myself. Eventually, I started making funny lip sync videos with my art and leaned into the lighter side of things. It became another creative outlet—and honestly, a fun way to stand out in a crowded space.
I noticed that once I started being more myself online, people responded more. They weren’t just liking the art—they were connecting with me. And that’s what builds a real audience.
My advice?
Start before you’re ready. Share your process, your story, your quirks. Don’t overthink it or wait until everything’s polished. Be consistent, be yourself, and treat social media like a two-way street. Engage with others, build community, and keep showing up—even when it’s quiet. You never know who’s watching or what opportunity might be around the corner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.staceyrobertsart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyrobertsart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.roberts.artist
• Linkedin: Stacey Roberts

Image Credits

Jared Sher, photography of all the painting photos (no the photo of me with painting)