Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Chasteen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Absolutely! Growing up in Alpharetta my mom was constantly immersing my sister and I into “the arts.” We’d spend our weekends driving downtown going to shows at the Fox, visiting the Center for Puppetry Arts, painting pottery at Fired Works, playing with watercolor paints on the back deck, and many other things of that nature. I was told I was creative and taught me how to find beauty in the things around me, be it with food, my hairstyle, or the type of music I listened to. Growing up, creating was simply a way to unwind, relax, have fun, and feel refreshed.
Expressing my artistic side remained a hobby throughout my beginning years into adulthood. I worked a 9-5 job in ministry for a few years out of college until my husband, and I dreamed up a big adventure together. In late 2018, we purchased a Winnebago Brave, sold our cars, cleaned out our home, found renters for our house, quit our full-time desk jobs, and hit the road to travel the US for the year. It was the six months leading up to this journey that I fell in love with pen and ink sketching.
Hitting the road meant major free time and the margin to dream. This meant for me asking what I truly wanted to spend my time on and the answer came pretty naturally. I spent our time in the RV sketching every day, practicing all I could. Because my husband and I are with our two dogs all the time, my pups quickly became my muses. I started sketching portraits of them, the family dogs and friends dogs. A few months ago we decided to make it official by launching “Rachael Grace Art” as a full-fledged business where I’m able to take commissions online.
So, my current setup is working beautifully. I’ve never felt more alive. There’s something about taking a chance and stepping foot into an adventure that holds the risk that makes you feel quite alive. And when that adventure brings you incredible joy and fulfillment, it’s magic. I truly feel incredibly thankful to have this time in life to continue honing my artistic skills while providing meaningful gifts for others and having a blast growing and adventuring with my little family.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It feels crazy to say, but it really has been a pretty smooth road thus far. Had I been starting this business on my own without the help of my husband who is wonderful with all things pertaining to building a site, marketing, accounting, etc. then I think this would have taken so much longer for me to get off the ground.
Please tell us about Rachael Grace Art.
Currently, I specialize in pen and ink pup portraits (although a few cats have somehow snuck their sassy selves onto my paper before). I take commissions, so I welcome when clients bring in unique ideas. My offerings include three different sizes of portrait; 2.5” x 3.5” , 5” x 7”, and 8” x 10”.
I care immensely about the uniqueness of each personalized portrait. I like to get multiple photos and a little write up on the personality of the pup from my clients to ensure I’m doing the best I can to bring out the essence of each dog’s personality.
Every piece comes framed on toned tan paper and carefully gift wrapped. Presentation matters so much to me from the moment the box arrives on the front porch to the moment the receiver opens the package to see their lil pup’s face.
To bring out the uniqueness of the fact that I’m creating the pieces all over the US, each portrait is gift wrapped and accented with a dried wildflower from the state that I was in a while completing that particular piece.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Although I don’t like to talk in terms of regrets because every step makes us who we are, I think if I could start over (and also tell myself a thing or two a few years ago), I would have taken a leap of faith earlier. It took building up a bit of confidence to step out, do something on my own, and bring Rachael Grace Art to life.
I’ve found that doubting myself is often easier than I wish. Stepping out into a new venture wasn’t an easy step to take for me. I also think you never know how loved and supported you are until you put yourself out there to start your own business. It’s been incredibly encouraging to see the support and love of our community in Atlanta, and those we meet on the road have shown.
Pricing:
- 2” x 3” portrait $34 + Shipping
- 5” x 7” portrait $54 + Shipping
- 8” x 10” portrait $72 + Shipping
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachaelgraceart.com
- Email: info@rachaelgraceart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanandgrace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evanandgrace/
Image Credit:
Evan Chasteen
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