Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacqueline Smalley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jacqueline, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I was raised in a very artistic family. My mom watercolored, my dad enjoyed making model airplanes, ships, and trains, aunts and uncles sang in bands, and my grandmother was an unbelievable cook. When I was two years old, I remember my mom always telling everyone she was amazed at how I only saw the small details in a picture. I would only color the eyes, the finger nails and the lips; never going outside the lines. Art was in my blood, I just wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. After high school, I majored in theatre and minored in art from Florida State University; where I met my husband, the love of my life. We married right out of college and couldn’t wait to start our own family. After many years of not picking up a paint brush, I decided to paint an abstract for my daughter’s nursery. My husband’s work friend saw the painting in a photograph one day and asked where the canvas came from as she loved it so much and that’s how my business began!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Each of my custom paintings is customized specifically for my clients. I always leave hidden meanings throughout my paintings that you alone will know about and can share with others or leave to the imagination. My goal is to always bring smiles and memories into each of my paintings. If I am painting an abstract, I love using bright, happy colors. When I am painting portraits, I love capturing small details in a person’s eyes or even a freckle on ones cheek. I love making people smile so that’s probably where a lot of the bright colors come from when painting my abstracts and realism portraits.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe the three areas of knowledge that were and still are the most impactful in my journey believes in me, allowing myself to be free and know that my art is worth it. When you are being vulnerable and putting your art and feelings out on social media, you are always nervous as what one will think about your work. Confidence is everything; especially when it is customized for a client. I have so many styles and techniques I like to use to keep myself entertained and to never get bored. We, as artists, have become so spoiled with social media to be able to watch how others get inspired and learn ways of expressing themselves. For me personally, that is why I love customizing my work as well. So I can give my clients not only a visual piece, but something that can be talked about and cherished for years to come. My clients have always given me the freedom and the power to create what I feel is right, and I am so grateful for that.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I am beyond lucky to have my entire family believe in me. Not only is my mom artistic but she is also a business woman who is an avid art collector. If I ever have a question about pricing, which all artists that I know do, I know I can ask my amazing mom. Pricing your own art is almost impossible as again the question always comes up, “Am I good enough?” For all the artists out there, YES WE ARE! I have had to overcome the challenge of pricing my artwork for years! The amount of money one spends on hair, nails, rugs, etc. that doesn’t last longer than a month or gets ruined by our pets is insane; however, art last a lifetime. Artwork hangs on a wall that brings you a feeling and will not get ruined by our loving pets. Art is an investment; this I have learned from my smart, savvy, cool mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/jacquelinesmalley
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinesmalleycustomart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.smalley
