Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Cebulski.
Hi Leah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve loved art all my life, which led me to earn my BFA in Drawing and Painting from Georgia State University in 2005. After a few years of teaching, I realized my real passion was creating, so I launched Fancy Pants Painting—a mix of fine art and interactive work like face painting and balloon twisting.
What started as a way to support my family has grown into a business and a personal practice. I now show at local art walks and fairs while building a fine art portfolio with series like my Moth paintings and custom portraits. For me, art is both a livelihood and a way to connect deeply with people in my community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. As a single mom raising five kids, balancing financial stability with pursuing my art has been one of my biggest challenges. There were times when I had to put creative projects on hold to make sure immediate needs were met, and finding the energy to keep building after long days hasn’t always been easy.
Another challenge has been carving out space for my fine art while running a service-based business. Face painting and event work keep the bills paid, but I’ve had to be intentional about protecting time for my own creative growth and larger portfolio projects.
In the end, those obstacles have made me more resourceful and resilient. They’ve taught me how to adapt, to value community support, and to keep pushing forward even when the path isn’t clear.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work lives in two worlds: fine art and interactive art. On one side, I create original paintings and series—like my ongoing Moth series on wood panels, portrait commissions, and pieces that explore secret gardens and whimsical landscapes. On the other, I run Fancy Pants Painting, which brings art into the community through live face painting and balloon twisting at events.
I’m also proud to have illustrated the children’s book Amy Giggles: Laughs Out Loud by Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band. That project let me merge my love of storytelling with my visual art in a way that could reach and inspire children beyond my local community.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see art as just a finished object—it’s also an experience and a language. Whether I’m painting a large canvas for a collector, creating a butterfly on a child’s cheek, or illustrating a book that makes kids laugh, my goal is always to spark wonder and connection.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
For me, risk often looks like betting on myself. As a single mom, stability has always been a priority, which is why for the past 17 years I’ve leaned on face painting and stilt walking as reliable ways to provide for my family. They’ve given me flexibility and a steady income, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized I might actually be able to make a living at fine art.
Recently, I’ve made the choice to dedicate both significant time and financial resources toward pushing my painting to the forefront of my career. It’s a risk because the income isn’t guaranteed, but I’ve reached the point where I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make my art a viable, full-time path. While I’ll continue doing event work until this takes off, my focus now is on building a sustainable career as a professional artist.
Taking this leap is scary, but it’s also liberating. It’s a way of showing my children—and myself—that pursuing your passion is worth the risk.
Pricing:
- Fine Art Originals: Small works starting around $250, larger canvases ranging from $1,200–$3,000+ depending on size and complexity
- Portrait Commissions: Starting at $600 for smaller sizes, up to $2,500+ for large-scale pieces
- Prints: 5×7 prints at $10 each, larger prints available upon request
- Event Services (Face Painting / Balloon Twisting): Typically $150–$200 per hour (packages available)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fancypantspainting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancypantsatlllc?igsh=MXI1d3piNXBmemtoZg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B5oqjAxKd/
