Happy First Days of Fall, Friends!
Can you believe Fall is upon us already?! I absolutely cannot, but let me tell you just how excited I am! I'm getting chills just thinking about all that it has to offer-- from my favorite holidays to cute Hallmark movies, crisp weather, and comfy outfits paired with cute boots! Not to mention, there's something refreshing about watching the leaves turn and cover the earth as all the pumpkin flavors and holiday decor infiltrate the stores. I'm not even going to spend too much time talking about those Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Cake Holes from Publix because I can just FEEL my waistline expanding, but you can just thank me later! *wink, wink!
Fall, for many, also symbolizes a season of change and newness. As for me, I have spent some time growing and shifting my business focus, and it has been quite the necessary learning experience.
Here are four things that are new with my art business:
1. New brand identity. For those of you who have been rockin' with me since I first began operating this art business in 2013, you were likely familiar with Special Made Creations by Samantha Maree. I later transitioned to By Samantha Maree (Hack! Hated it!) which is what I used when I was interviewed by Voyage ATL in 2017 (you can find that article here.) Shortly after that article was published, I had my son and fell into a state of confusion about where I wanted to take my business next. Eventually I decided to get back into the studio and simply operate as myself, the artist, Samantha Maree. I thought "What better way to market myself as an artist than to use my artist name?" Plus, it's shorter, straight to the point, and easier to remember, don't you think? I'm finally happy with the switch! To celebrate my new name, I created my own new logo and branding package using an app on my phone called Canva! I'll share a how-to on that a little later...
2. New business focus & offerings. I was initially most known for my mobile paint parties. My clients would often boast about how they were amazed at their ability to create things they never had before, all while having an amazing time with family and close friends in the privacy of their own home. They were fun, intimate, and everyone was guaranteed to leave with a painting they could be proud of! As I continued to grow as a mother and artist, however, I realized my heart was in spending my free time (i.e. my evenings and weekends after a full week of teaching) with my family and in the studio. I found so much joy in creating abstract paintings for peoples' homes and office spaces that I was craving more time in this area and less away from my home. Now, I'm able to find a better balance between home, work, and the business. Paint parties will be accepted based on the season and availability (for now--I'll have a calendar soon)...oh, and I checked photography off the list as well, unless it is a creative shoot that I am directing for my own collections/works (it excludes all family, portrait, baby, event, and engagement sessions). I seriously want to shine light on what I believe are my greatest strengths and grow from there! I have referrals if you need them for either of those services!
3. New store with new paintings for sale! Have you noticed the changes in my website?! Aside from the usage of my brand colors throughout, I have also added a store featuring my "Renewed Strength" series with options to purchase original paintings or prints of old favorites! This past summer, I worked really hard to zone out and create several new pieces. I'm excited to share this series with you because it tells a little visual story of how I got through one of the most difficult times of my life. With the help of spending time in God's Word, with family, and with close friends-- and time in the studio-- I was able to find my way back to the joyful side.
I took to throwing paint around on a few canvases to express how I felt and to purge all of those emotions in a positive way. In a sense, I'm thanking God for the lessons because they guided me straight down the path of creating some of my favorite paintings! Each one has been named from Biblical verses that resonated with me as I looked at the final product. Take a look, shop around, and feel free to let me know what you think!
*New paintings will be added frequently, so be sure to subscribe to be the first to see when a new one hits the store!
4. New commissions process. If you have been dying to get a Samantha Maree original in your home or office that specifically meets your needs, I have made it easy to request one! Simply click on the link located in the footer of my website, and fill out the commission request form. It will ask you for the desired size and colors, and there is even a space for you to upload a photograph of the space you intend to hang the work to give me a better idea of the style and exact color choices as I create a unique piece for you. I shied away from commissions for a little while, but the more I was asked to do one the more I found joy in working closely with my clients to create something they would love.
If you know me well, you might know that I'm always up to something, and I'm a little addicted to change. Projectory for the future: paint sessions for couples and families, videos, blogs, and tutorials on some of my art processes, handmade gifts, and participation in more festivals and art shows in the Atlanta Metro area. Until then, join me in enjoying the beauty of the present...
♡ ♡ ♡,
"You will always harvest what you plant." Galatians 6:7