Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Donovan.
Hi Nina, I’m so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Nina Donovan. I graduated from the University of West Georgia with a BFA in Graphic Design. Immediately upon graduating, I started my career as a graphic designer. I spent 11 years working in marketing design in corporate America and loved it! Then in 2017, I had my beautiful baby girl and decided that I needed to spend all of my time with her. I left the workforce and became a stay-at-home mom.
I spent my early years painting in Germany with my Oma (Grandmother) who was also a talented artist, and a very big influence in my life. I also lived in Bahrain in the Persian Gulf where I experienced the many colors and cultures of the Arabic world and explored different art forms and mediums. Art has always been a really important part of my life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say it’s been a long road, not necessarily bumpy, but not exactly smooth either. I loved being able to stay at home with my 2 beautiful babies, but I started to feel like I was losing my identity as an artist and needed to find my creative self again. After having my second child, we built an art studio in the basement for me to have a space to create.
I started to focus my time on abstract acrylic art, where I was able to create many colorful pieces that seemed to fit in with today’s modern world. I participated in many art festivals where I sold a few of my abstract pieces, but it didn’t take off as much as I had hoped. Then, upon a whim, I decided to dust off my watercolor paints and paint my parents’ house as a gift for them for Christmas. I posted my painting on Facebook, and it went viral.
A lot of people reached out to me wanting their house or pets painted. Finally, after years of trying different mediums and styles, it seemed I finally found my niche. Ever since posting their house painting online, I have had numerous clients and commissions for watercolor portraits. Word of mouth has been my best referral so far.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would classify myself as a multimedia artist. I can do a range of things, no matter what the medium. But again, I have recently been specializing in watercolor portraits of houses and pets. I love how personal and meaningful these paintings are for people who receive them. Whether it’s a painting of a first home or a memory of a lost pet, I love being able to work directly with clients and create pieces that they will cherish forever.
I am proud of myself for putting myself out there. It’s always been a struggle for me to showcase anything I create. I have had to step out of my comfort zone by getting my artwork out there on social media and in festivals for the world to see. I am very proud that I have been able to do that and get noticed and have people enjoying my artwork.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Oooh… I do have a bit of advice! A few things to remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day. This stuff takes time. Do not give up. Test out many different mediums and styles and try to find what makes you happy. Research, practice, and then research some more! It’s important in the art world to stay on top of today’s cultures and trends. I know it sounds cliché, but one of the biggest pieces of advice I was given was to not be afraid of mistakes.
To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. This took me a while to understand. I was VERY afraid of failure. Everything needed to be perfect. I quickly learned that with abstract art, I had to get out of my head because mistakes happen, and boy did they! I went through hundreds of canvasses testing out different abstract methods mediums and formulas. Our whole storage area quickly filled up with paintings. Half of them I did not like, but funny enough the ones I classified as mistakes were the first ones to sell! I am still learning every day. Watercolor paint and acrylic paint could not be more different from each other.
I thought watercolor was going to be easy. But after only working with acrylics for years, everything I thought I knew about paint went out the window when it came to watercolors. It’s a finicky medium to work with. I genuinely learn something new after every single painting I complete. I also follow a lot of artists on social media and reach out whenever I have questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! I have learned that most artists will gladly advise fellow artists. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Post pictures of all of your work! (Scary, I know. But do it!).
Again, word of mouth has been my biggest referral so far. When I post my work, people share it, and it reaches new people… it’s like a snowball effect. I am very thankful for where my artistic career has brought me today. I hope to keep growing and creating every day. Please reach out if you’d like a custom painting! I’d love to work with you!
Pricing:
- $150 for an 8″x10″ house portrait
- $200 for an 11″x14″ house portrait
- $59 for a 5″x7″ pet portrait
- $79 for an 8″x10″ pet portrait
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninadonovan.designs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinaDonovanDesigns/
