We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Bayagich recently and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Watercolor Connections emerged as a creative venture amidst the challenging circumstances of the pandemic in 2020. The idea sprouted from a deep desire to foster meaningful connections and bring joy to people during a time of isolation. It all began with 10-minute drawing sessions over Instagram Live, an attempt to stay connected with friends and provide a small escape from the confines of quarantine.
However, a fortuitous mistake with a drawing sparked a transformation in the process. I switched over to watercolors to fix it and fell in love. From that moment on, Watercolor Connections transformed into a full-fledged endeavor, resembling a TV show-style programming that unfolded twice a week. Participants would join me on Instagram as I brought their likenesses to life, painting their portraits in real-time. The immersive nature of the process, combined with the anticipation of witnessing their portrait unfold, created a sense of excitement and emotional connection unlike anything I had experienced before.
In a world dominated by virtual experiences that often lacked depth and personalization, Watercolor Connections stood out as a beacon of authenticity and artistic expression. It was an opportunity to merge technology, artistry, and human connection in a way that hadn’t been explored before. The overwhelming positive feedback and the joy I witnessed in the faces of those who received their portraits validated the worthiness of this endeavor.
This journey of Watercolor Connections is a testament to the power of adaptation, resilience, and the transformative potential hidden within unexpected circumstances. It reminded me of the profound beauty that can arise from the most challenging times and the importance of capturing and celebrating precious moments.
After the initial stages of Watercolor Connections during the pandemic, I recognized the tremendous impact it had on people’s lives and the meaningful connections it fostered. Inspired by this, I sought to expand the reach of my services beyond the virtual realm and bring the magic of watercolor portraiture to milestone events in people’s lives.
As restrictions eased and life gradually returned to a semblance of normalcy, I realized that there was a profound need for capturing and commemorating significant moments in a unique and personalized way. From weddings to birthdays, anniversaries to graduations, Watercolor Connections found its place in these milestone events, adding an extra layer of artistry and emotion to the celebrations.
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 am an independent artist located in Detroit, MI. I graduated from the College for Creative Studies in 2015 and became a mother shortly after. With my Mexican-Yugoslavian background and the influence of my parents’ traditional crafts and technical skills, I explore both conventional and contemporary mediums in my artistic endeavors. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by a local artist in Detroit who had a profound impact on my desire to capture the essence of my subjects in my portraiture. As a single mother, I embody the resilience of the hustle culture, constantly seeking innovative ways to make art accessible without compromising its value. These two influences merged to give rise to Watercolor Connections—an embodiment of my passion for capturing the essence of individuals through portraiture and my commitment to making art accessible without compromising its value. Watercolor Connections represents a harmonious balance between artistry and practicality, fostering connections between people and their significant moments.
At Watercolor Connections, we provide a unique and personalized live portraiture experience. Through our services, we capture special moments and emotions, immortalizing them on paper using the timeless art of watercolor. Our aim is to create beautiful and detailed portraits that serve as lasting reminders of life’s milestones.
One of the core problems we solve for our clients is the challenge of finding a truly unique and memorable way to commemorate important events in their lives. We understand that these occasions hold deep emotional significance, and we strive to capture the essence and spirit of the individuals involved through our artistic creations.
What sets Watercolor Connections apart from others is our live painting experience. We believe that art is not just a visual outcome but also an interactive and immersive process. By painting portraits in real-time, we engage with our subjects and allow them to be a part of the creative journey. This interactive element adds an extra layer of connection and emotion to the artwork, creating an unforgettable experience for both the individuals being painted and those observing the masterpiece come to life. With our process projected on a television for all to see, guests are immersed in the artistic journey and leave the event with a framed 5×7″ watercolor painting of themselves, along with a cherished timelapse recording, allowing them to relive the joyous occasion over and over again.
I am most proud of the joy and emotional impact that our portraits bring to people’s lives. Witnessing the reactions of our clients as they see their likeness captured on paper, often accompanied by tears of happiness and heartfelt gratitude, is truly rewarding. Knowing that our art becomes a treasured keepsake, reminding them of their special moments, fills me with immense pride.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that Watercolor Connections is not just about creating art—it’s about creating connections. We invite you to join us on a journey where your special moments are transformed into beautiful watercolor portraits. Our dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to capturing the essence of each individual sets us apart. We are here to create an unforgettable artistic experience and provide you with a unique and cherished memento that will be treasured for years to come.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
My audience has primarily been built through my personal network, which has been greatly enriched by my time at College for Creative Studies. Being part of a diverse community of artists and creatives allowed me to connect with the vibrant Detroit art scene, where I had the opportunity to engage with talented individuals such as Phil Simpson, Tony Whlgn, Ijania Cortez, and many others who have become successful in their own right. Attending their shows and actively participating in the local art scene helped me expand my network organically and authentically.
Building an audience is not about superficial connections or trying to fake authenticity. It’s about genuinely connecting with people, sharing experiences, and finding common ground. It’s important to be yourself and embrace both your likes and dislikes, as it’s through genuine expression that you can attract an audience that resonates with your unique perspective. Honesty and authenticity are key to forming deep connections with your audience.
While building your network, it’s essential to engage with others, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Networking requires being open to social interactions and making an effort to connect with people who share similar interests. However, it’s worth noting that not everyone enjoys extensive socializing, and that’s okay too. In fact, there may be individuals who resonate with your authenticity precisely because they prefer connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar sentiments. Embrace your unique audience and understand that building connections is a two-way street.
My advice for those looking to build their social media presence is to be unapologetically yourself. Don’t shy away from expressing a wide range of emotions and feelings, as people are drawn to genuine and relatable content. Be open about your likes, dislikes, and personal experiences. This level of honesty will attract an audience that appreciates your authenticity and can relate to your journey.
Remember, building a meaningful audience takes time and effort. It’s not about chasing numbers or superficial popularity but rather about cultivating a community of individuals who genuinely appreciate your work and connect with your story. Stay true to yourself, share your passions, engage with your audience, and let your unique voice shine through.
So, be bold, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to share your artistry and emotions with the world. People will resonate with your honesty, and that’s what will truly set you apart.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Funding my business initially was a combination a regular job that I took on as an art camp instructor at Farmington Hills and and freelancing. While I had a passion for starting my own business, I also recognized the importance of having a stable income to support myself and invest in my entrepreneurial endeavors. Alongside my job, I took on various freelance projects, including oil portraitures, for which I charged around $100 per portrait painting.
During this time that I continued to save diligently and set aside a portion of my earnings specifically for my business venture. By balancing my regular job with my entrepreneurial aspirations, I was able to accumulate the initial capital needed to launch my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.watercolorconnections.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/watercolorconnections?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090543189273
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/NmHUOiR9ahw
- Other: https://www.gigsalad.com/watercolor_connections_detroit
Image Credits
Aaliyah Jay Aurora Abolio