Born and raised in the Sacramento area, I like to say I’ve been drawing since I could hold a crayon. In 2009 I graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco with a degree in Fine Art Illustration, and achieved my first solo show shortly after graduation. I’ve since had my work shown in San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury, as well as numerous art events in the Northern California. Heavily influenced by fashion illustration, anime, and the female form, I strive to blend my passions in unique ways. Within the last year I founded Art NuVogue which encompasses my product line featuring my original artwork and also my video blog show in which I demonstrate my creation process and share my artistic inspirations. You can find my video blog at http://www.ArtNuVogue.com
What inspired you to go into the craft business, do you still have a day job? In 2010 I received an invitation through my Etsy shop to participate in Kat Von D’s Pink Parlour Festival in Los Angeles, CA. The entire show was to feature only female artists and crafters- primarily with an edgy or indie flair. I was excited by the idea and decided to give it a try. I took the little merchandise I had and borrowed a couple of tables and headed down there. I ended up selling nearly everything I had- including an original painting. I fell in love with meeting my cliental face to face and getting real feedback from the public on my work. For me being a vendor is not just about selling my product- but perhaps more importantly about marketing myself, meeting new people and building real relationships with my customers and collectors. I left my office/desk job in early 2011 and have been a full time business owner and freelance illustrator ever since.
Describe your creative process when designing/making your product line: All my paintings begin a little differently and the inspiration comes from a variety of places. I often begin by gathering photo references, then proceed to a sketching/brainstorming phase. After that I begin tighter more refined drawings before beginning the painting process. Once a piece is finished I produce it on my other products; prints, jewelry, buttons, magnets, keychains, mirrors, and cards. I recently began a blog on Tumblr where I share all things that inspire my artwork. It’s a great place to share ideas and see what inspires my followers as well. My inspiration blog can be found at: http://leilanijoy.tumblr.com/
What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst? The best part of what I do is seeing someone’s face light up when they fall in love with one of my paintings. It’s incredibly satisfying when someone really connects to a piece I’ve created. Art is so personal, and a piece of my self is in everything I create. When someone gets excited about my work and walks away smiling with a piece of my art work I couldn’t be happier. The worst part of the business is having to be 20 people at once- artist, bookkeeper, web designer, package designer, sales person, promotor, blogger, agent, etc. I often feel like there just aren’t enough hours in a day to get all my tasks done. But for me- the rewards out weigh the hardships of being an entrepreneur.
To see my full product line, original paintings and giclee prints for sale please visit me at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeilaniJoyArt. Please use the code, “VIPBUYER” to get 15% off your first purchase! You can also find me around the web at the following links –
Website: http://www.LeilaniJoy.com
Blog: http://www.ArtNuVogue.com
On YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/MissLeilaniJoy
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/leilanijoy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MissLeilaniJoy