Meet Savannah Hayton

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Savannah Hayton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Savannah below.

Savannah, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

Many artists encounter people who don’t fully appreciate their work or understand the love and effort they pour into it. I’ve definitely come across those who don’t see art as a full-time career and instead view it as “just a hobby,” often wondering why I don’t go get a “real” job.
The truth is, I absolutely love what I do and can’t see myself doing anything else. I love seeing my couples light up when they see their painting and I love to talk to all their guests about the process and what I do. When you genuinely love your work and enjoy doing it for others, there’s no reason to listen to people who think their jobs are somehow “better.” I know for a fact that many of them would do anything to escape their 9–5.
To any doubters or people who don’t believe in me, just know that this job is too fun to feel like work. I set goals for myself, and they haven’t failed me yet. I love what I do, and if someone has an opinion or gives me a look of disdain, it only makes me appreciate my path even more.
Do what you love and enjoy it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a live wedding painter, I have the privilege of painting for my couples throughout their special day. Each painting is completely guided by their vision and the moment they choose to capture. As I work, I get to watch guests’ reactions unfold and interact with family and friends along the way.
My favorite part of the entire experience is the reveal at the end of the night, when the couple sees their painting for the first time. I offer a variety of canvas sizes and have many examples of past work available on my website. Every painting is incredibly special and truly one-of-a-kind, created just for each couple.
I also want to share that I’ll be relocating to Texas next year, but I’ll still be in St. Louis for many of my weddings. I love to travel, and I’m excited to get to know a whole new part of the country while continuing to do what I love.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey were:
one, not being afraid to say no;
two, learning the method of fast painting and blocking in color; and
three, understanding your audience and what they want to see.
When you’re truly pushing your business, opportunities will come from everywhere. Some will align perfectly with your vision and audience, and some won’t and that’s okay. Learning when to say yes to opportunities that help you grow, and no to those that don’t, is essential. Especially when your gut is telling you something isn’t right, it’s usually worth listening.
I learned fast painting in school mainly because I was a huge procrastinator, but it quickly became one of my biggest strengths, especially for live painting. It taught me to focus on colors and shapes loosely, rather than getting caught up in perfection. I start with large brushes to block in color and gradually work my way down to the details. Most of the finer details don’t come until I take the painting home to fully finish it.
By far, the most important lesson for any business is knowing your target audience. When you understand who you’re creating for, your social media and website can grow much faster because you’re speaking directly to a specific group. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what they’re looking for and how you want them to feel when they experience your work.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is relocation. I’ve worked hard to establish myself in the wedding industry here in Missouri, and now I’ll be starting almost from the beginning when I move to Texas in 2026. It’s incredibly exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking.
I’ve set clear goals for myself for the coming year, including participating in a few wedding expos in Texas and connecting with local vendors. I love seeing what everyone does and learning from other creatives in the industry. I know building those relationships and establishing myself in a new market will take time, but I’m ready for it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://savannahcdba.myportfolio.com/about
• Instagram: @hayton.savannah

Image Credits

Brooke and Jacob Photo and Film

Sunday Film House