Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaina Williams.
Alaina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As most artists will tell you, I grew up loving creating in any form: drawing, painting, clay, whatever was available to me. I focused on painting beginning in high school and then into college where I actually majored in Interior Design at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!). At that time, the market was less than ideal and no one was hiring architects/designers so I ended up giving up the design dream and going to work in property management in Chicago. A few years later, I found myself in nursing school, of all things, which lead me here to Atlanta. I’ve been an ER nurse for 10 + years now, and while it fulfills a certain part of me (and pays the bills)- being creative is truly where my heart is.
So for several years now, I’ve been working my side hustle. I started selling hand-dyed yarn and woven wall hangings on Etsy and now have evolved and grown and have my own website where I sell mostly paintings these days. I love painting abstract landscapes and botanicals. Today my focus is growing my business on social media and building a website that makes it easier for people to find me. The end goal is definitely to be a full-time artist and I’m working every day to make that happen!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m still very much on my journey, and no, I’m not sure who has a “smooth” ride? How can I channel them!? It’s rough out here! But it’s fun. I think for me the biggest challenge is just figuring out what my resources are as a small business owner/independent artist. The great thing is that social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube really provide so much information. The artists that I follow and work with are amazing and they are so giving of their time and knowledge. As an artist who did not major in Fine Arts, did not learn anything about representation, did not have social media really when I was in school (showing my age), it’s like you have to start from square one and just figure it all out. Especially the business side – how do I tackle taxes? How do I even ship my work safely and efficiently? How do I use all these platforms to my benefit? But the community of artists in Atlanta and worldwide really are a wealth of knowledge. So I take advantage of as many learning opportunities as I can, and I sort of just wing it and try to learn from my mistakes.
Please tell us more about your art.
I’m an independent artist that specializes in acrylic landscape and botanical paintings. I capture the “vibe” of various outdoor spaces and scapes, rather than try to recreate a painted version of the real deal. I would say I’m known for my use of bright, fun color. I definitely do not shy away from neon! I’m very proud that I’ve found my “happy place” with my work and that it continues to develop and evolve as I grow. It’s a great feeling when you’re able to create these beautiful pieces for people around you. I want buyers to see a piece and think, “Ahh, I just love that!”… that’s my vibe, that’s my goal. I think what sets my work apart is the consistently bold, dream-like landscapes that I create. There’s nothing dreary about my work!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m working really hard to grow as an artist and a business. My goal is to offer more home decor – pillows, acrylic trays, picture frames, serving utensils…. anything that could be jazzed up with some fun color! This year my website will definitely be changing to include more of these types of items. I always have 1000 ideas in my head of everything I’d like to try my hand at and accomplish.
Pricing:
- Original art ranges from $30 – $3000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alainawilliamsart.com
- Email: alainawilliamsart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @alainawilliamsart
- Facebook: alainawilliamsart@facebook.com
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