I’ve contemplated starting a blog to share more behind-the-scenes of my business for a while. But every time I put it off.

My typical excuses: 

• I’m not good with words. 

• I don’t know what I’d say.

• Who would want to read it anyways?

But the end of 2019 brought a new vision for my work and a mission to drive me. And as it turns out, that gave me my voice!

In 2019 I took some time to step back and reflect on what I want to do with my business.

In the fall I decided it was time to enlist in some help. Not in painting, but in business. So I enrolled in Shanna Skidmore’s BluePrint Model, a 12 week business course designed specifically for creatives. It was the last time Shanna was offering the course, so I finally signed up and prayed that it would help me create a sustainable business model!

At that point I was making a little profit, but turning right around and putting it back into my business. I expected that would be the case starting out, but I knew that if I kept up that pace too long it would just lead to burnout. 

I dug in deep over those 12 weeks to really make the most out of the course. Which meant a little less painting time, so I could nurture the business side of my business.

The BluePrint Model helped me get a better grip on financial planning, pricing and all of the business foundations you’d expect, but what surprised me was the effect it had on my painting and my voice.

The course made me step back and really think about why I paint and what drives me to create.

It always came back to creating quality artwork that glorifies God. I want to seek out the beauty and the wonder in this world He created!

So I wrote down my vision statement: to create good work from the heart that glorifies God.

With a vision for my work, now I needed a goal for my business. Something quantifiable to guide me, keep me rooted to my cause and keep me motivated.

After a lot of contemplation, I came up with this mission statement: to paint a picture of God’s love for every heart and home.

Giving my business and my work a purpose was the most incredible gift! It seems so simple, but by defining what I do and why, I gained a new perspective on my paintings. And guess what, that perspective gave me more confidence in my painting ability and the work I create because I know why I’m doing it!

I’m not just painting because I enjoy it anymore. I’m painting to bring God’s love into every heart and home. 

So in this little blog space, I’m hoping to use my voice as another creative outlet to give a little more perspective on the work I create and why! 

If there’s anything specific you’d like to see in future blog posts, feel free to comment below. I’d love to hear from you!