We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tylee Hansen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tylee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’ve been drawing since I was six years old, but I learned how to draw on my iPad about 4 years ago. I taught myself how to use the app called Procreate which is what I use to draw all of my patterns and artwork for my clients. I think the most essential skill I’ve learned is how to keep the quality of my artwork high and to prevent it from turning pixelated when I’m working. I have to create a couple of draft sketches when drawing the final artwork to maintain a high quality image. It’s been a learning curve, for sure!

Tylee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a freelance illustrator for small businesses. I work with companies who are passionate about creating whimsical and playful products for their customers. I draw patterns and spot illustrations for children’s clothing, wallpaper, wall art, wrapping paper, stationary, and more. I have a Bachelor’s degree in 2-D Art from Brigham Young University and I am also skilled in hand painting, sketching, sewing, pattern drafting for clothing, and portrait artwork. I would love to start window painting and painting wall murals for businesses in the Kansas City area, as well! I am passionate about utilizing art as a tool to help small businesses grow and to aid them in attracting their dream customers.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is giving life and tangibility to something that didn’t exist before. I love delving into an idea I’ve had or bringing a client’s vision to life simply through lines and colors. I don’t know if everyone understands the importance of using visuals to attract buyers. Blank wallpaper isn’t going to sell, it’s the artwork that sells it. When something is visual appealing, it opens up the opportunity to connect with your customers. Art can bring people together; creativity connects us all because it reminds us of being a kid again. And weren’t we all kids at one point in our lives? Art is magical.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’m no expert on social media but I have found my people on Instagram and Threads (don’t sleep on Threads, y’all!) I’ve found that it’s best to just be your authentic self. When people see you being passionate and finding joy in what you do, they are immediately drawn to you and your brand. Threads is fairly new and I’ve found it’s easiest to get followers and find your community there! Follow people who inspire you and push you to ent to be better. Engage with your followers. Don’t get bogged down by the algorithm. Stay consistent and focused and your people will find you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/tyleeplusart
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/tyleeplusart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylee-hansen-12539628b/

Image Credits

Main photo is by Andriesse Photography