Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison James.
Allison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been drawing since I could walk, using crayons for my outlet and slowly progress to more refined tools over the years! I come from a very creative family and was always encouraged growing up to pursue my artistic talent. After winning a few art scholarships, I studied Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking in undergrad.
In May of 2013, I graduated from Georgia Southern University with my BFA in 2D Design and have been painting ever since. I now live on the Westside of Atlanta with my wonderful husband, Brandon, where I work out of my home studio.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I graduated in 2013, I was completely lost on where my life would take me after walking across the stage. Being an artist professionally is so unique – there is no guidebook on your career or what that looks like, as opposed to many other professions. Gallery positions are slim, there’s not really an “entry level” job in the art world, and resources were prehistoric 5 years ago (think Instagram, Kickstarter, hashtags!). At the end of the day, I hadn’t planned well enough for life after graduation.
I was in a huge rut, feeling paralyzed by not having everything drawn out. So I fell into retail, taking a part-time seasonal job at a boutique after a summer of traveling, working for my mom, and my downtown studio collecting dust. Fast forward 4 years, I was the apparel department manager at the busiest Anthropologie in Atlanta. But somehow I knew this huge accomplishment wasn’t right. I didn’t want to wake up when I was 50, managing a high-end store, and ask myself… how did I get here? What could have happened with my art had I pursued it like I planned?
Thankfully, a switch finally flipped and I left my full-time job in September 2017. It was so freeing removing myself from a life I never wanted to embrace the life I always dreamed of. It has been a lot of hard work, long hours, and sacrifice but I wouldn’t change it for anything. My career as a professional artist is taking off and I know I wouldn’t be in this place without taking that leap of faith.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Allison James Co. story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a fine artist in Atlanta best known for my color pairing, jagged strokes, and mixed medium layers, all usually falling on a white backdrop. Sometimes I use representational imagery, sometimes I stray away and use lines to do the talking for me.
I use everything under the sun in my artwork, like pencil, acrylics, oils, paper, sand, gel, you name it! What makes me the most proud is that I’ve created my business on my own. I spent so many hours building my ever-changing website, taught myself everything I know about social media strategy, how to compose the perfect email via MailChimp, and am always researching how to improve my business.
I think what sets me apart from others is my accessibility. I try to be an example to people that anything is possible if you are kind and work really, really hard. A lot of artists can be closed off or secretive but I like being transparent and vulnerable. We should always be making an example of ourselves to help others grow.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I branded myself as Allison James Co. because one day I want to have a large studio to showcase my work, hold client + collector meetings, fun events, and maybe even house a custom textile line?? (I am always thinking of new things!) I think my artwork would be fabulous on a throw pillow or club chair but I am biased.
Ultimately, I want to create a space for people to feel welcome, inspired, and leave energized to go do some good in the world. Art can move people in that way and I fully intend to make this a reality. Check back in with me in 2025!
Pricing:
- Paper pieces from $80 to $285
- Canvas paintings from $450 to $1900
- Wooden panels range from $750 to $3500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allisonjamesco.com
- Email: hello@allisonjamesco.com
- Instagram: @allisonjames.co
- Facebook: @allisonjames.co
Image Credit:
Honey Photo + Video
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
