We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Donna Giraud. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Donna below.
Hi Donna, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is this evolving cocktail of experiences and self-discovery. It took me ages to mold a system that syncs with my creativity’s ebb and flow. Work ethic isn’t solely about a rigid schedule or relentless drive; it’s about finding that balance where passion meets purpose.
For the longest time, I thought work ethic was this elusive trait some people just had. But then, I stumbled upon what truly resonated with me. When you’re doing what feels right, what aligns with your essence, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s like breathing; you just do it because it’s innate.
Crafting this unique approach to work involved trial and error, learning, and a lot of introspection. Now, it’s more about embracing that joyous dance with what I do. It’s less about ‘work ethic’ and more about revelling in the sheer joy of being where I belong.
Work ethic isn’t always this consistent, regimented thing too. Life throws curveballs, moods fluctuate, and that’s okay. There are days when giving your all isn’t feasible, and that’s normal. Being kind to yourself, acknowledging these ebbs, doesn’t diminish your ethic; it adds depth and understanding to your journey. It’s not about constant acceleration but rather finding harmony in the rhythm of life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an abstract painter based in North Vancouver, BC, and I am all about creating art that’s anything but ordinary. For over 20 years, I’ve been crafting vibrant, textured paintings that speak volumes.
My specialty? Making artworks that grab your attention and make you stop in your tracks. Layers upon layers of texture give my work a depth that’s hard to ignore. I want my art to be more than just something nice to look at—it’s a whole experience.
You’ll find my art all over North America, from cozy homes to busy offices. What sets my work apart is its ability to make you feel something. Whether it’s a moment of quiet reflection or a wave of nostalgia, my paintings aim to create a calm vibe wherever they hang.
But don’t be fooled by the calmness— My art is full of energy and excitement too. And I’m super clear about one thing: art is for everyone. I want my creations to be approachable, sparking conversations and adding a splash of life to any space they inhabit.
In addition to making these large, statement pieces of art, I am also super excited about my new release of affordable fine art prints. These are fine art prints but with a twist. I have photographed small sections of texture within my original artworks and have blown them up to be their own piece of art. I call it “Art Within Art.”
Whether you’re a minimalist enthusiast or a lover of bold statements, my curated selection offers something for everyone. From soothing watercolour blends to dynamic gestural arrangements, these prints are unlike anything you have ever seen. Adorn your walls with these exquisite prints, and watch as they effortlessly become the focal point of your space.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I can confidently say the three qualities/skills that have been the most impactful in my journey have been my resiliency, my love for organization/time management and my ability to connect through storytelling and relatability.
Resiliency – For any successful entrepreneur, having the courage to keep showing up despite challenges, failures and rejection is key. It’s easy to give up. It is really hard to keep at it. But when you do, you learn what works and what doesn’t. You gain confidence when things do go right and you build momentum on every experience. I cannot emphasize resiliency more. Keep showing up and it all fall into place.
Organization/time management – Time and time again I have seen artists preparing for a show or completing a project and put forth an inferior presentation/product because they didn’t give their timeline enough respect. It takes time and planning whenever you are creating something. The goal is to see the final result/vision in your head before it’s even started and work backwards on your timeline. Give the respect each step deserves and don’t take shortcuts on the details that matter because people will notice. Make lists and check them a million times and check them again. When you are putting something out there that you make or sell, it’s an extension of you. Give it the time it deserves and the results will come back ten fold.
Connection – In my opinion, (whether you’re selling sneakers or art) it all comes down to connection. People want to know you. They want to make sure that you align with their values and beliefs so I say tell them a story. Let them into your world and share all your amazing qualities that make you special and unique. When people authentically connect they are way more likely to become a part of your world. So don’t forget that you are worth getting to know. Put yourself out there, be vulnerable and show your true self.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Overwhelm, unfortunately, can be a big part of any artist/entrepreneur’s journey.
When feeling overwhelmed, especially on the artist’s journey, taking a breather is my go-to. Life as an artist is this rollercoaster ride where each day’s a surprise package—exciting but also daunting. It’s like this ongoing dance with unpredictability and inconsistency. If I let it, that whirlwind could totally take over. So, I make a point to hit pause. And sometimes that means completely walking away from what I am doing just so I can breathe.
For me, it’s all about those moments where I just step back. I take a breather, consciously detach, and let myself recharge. Sometimes it’s just a few deep breaths; other times, it’s these amazing Nepalese healing bowls I’ve started using—they’re like magic for calming down the nerves, especially after a trip to Everest basecamp (just got back, by the way).
And traveling is also another lifesaver for me. I’m all about exploring new places, soaking up inspiration from every corner. It’s like this refreshing reset button for my curiosity and creativity.
Amidst the chaos, I find these little pockets of calm—whether it’s through sound, travel, or just a moment to myself, it helps keep the overwhelm from taking over!
It’s also important to truly know that being overwhelmed and taking measures to combat it is ok. We cannot give ourselves a hard time for recognizing we are in over our heads and need something to get us through that moment. When we are kinder to ourselves and listen and do the things our bodies need, the overwhelm is much more manageable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.donnagiraudart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/donnagiraudart
Image Credits
Jasalyn Thorne and Charles Zuckermann
