Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Boyd. Her and her team share their story with us below:
Peggy Boyd is creating custom artwork from her home studio for the world to enjoy and be inspired by. “I wake up with a head full of creative ideas each day just waiting to put them somewhere. To me, creativity and art are a bit like a cluttered room until it’s all tidied up… It’s just paint!” –Peggy.
Peggy resides in Katy, Texas by way of Iowa, living an active life with her husband, Mark. She spends her time painting in her cozy, colorful home studio where she creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork and runs her business. She loves gardening and nature, drawing much inspiration from the scenic palette of flowers and birds in her backyard. Peggy is a certified decorative artist with an extensive background in brush techniques, color, paint, acrylics, and instructing.
Professional Artist of 30 Years:
Design, decorating, staging, and styling for both stores and magazines only scratch the surface of Peggy’s talent and background. She is the author of two instructional books on decorative furniture written for Plaid Enterprises and has been a brand ambassador for Plaid since the early 2000s. Her expertise has been featured in over 12 national publications including Better Homes & Gardens (Paint Decor & Creative Home), Meredith Publications, and more. Peggy has been a guest speaker and instructor for Des Moines Home and Garden Show, West Des Moines Adult Education Programs, and Des Moines Art Alliance while running her previous business, Peggy Boyd Designs. She has been a contributing member of Drake University and University of Iowa Entrepreneurial Programs, and has an extensive background in store operations, gallery management, vendor management, and small businesses. Peggy has had the privilege of working with some of the best creative brands and communities in the industry including Dynasty Brush, FM Brush Co, Paint Works, Society of Decorative Painters, FolkArt (Plaid), Des Moines Art Center, and West Des Moines Valley Junction.
Reinvention:
After all the years of having a successful brick-and-mortar gallery along with published designs and works, it was difficult to figure out the next phase of her artistic career. With all the challenges of staying relevant and understanding today’s digital world, it seemed a bit overwhelming. “Trying to reinvent yourself after 25 years of traditionally styled decorative art isn’t easy” she stated. With the help of her oldest son, who works in online marketing, along with the support of her inspirational family, Peggy decided to take the leap. “New city, new ideas, new image,” she thought.
Starting out as a blog about her projects intended to inspire like-minded creatives and DIYers that just needed that little push is how The Creative Find was born. Little did she know this was going to reignite her own creative fires within. Nudged along by her son to formally brand and promote her creations online, her creative spirit was galvanized. “We are in the process of building my online presence, brand, and inventory. It’s not much different than building a regular store or publishing a magazine or book. Same basic foundation, just a lot more behind the scenes technical work. “
The Creative Find:
From pouring acrylics and ink to alcohol art and decorative painting, The Creative Find is focused on abstract artistic expression on various textures such as canvas, wood, glass, and tile. These hand-made, custom pieces by Peggy are infused with her life of design experience, keen eye for color palettes, and love of patterns. We invite you to visit thecreativefind.com or follow our handle “@thecreativefind” for your next inspiration, custom order, or timeless art piece.
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?
Art is never a smooth ride. It’s the best get-poor scheme I know of, but for some reason I am addicted to it! It’s like a drug, I need it daily to breathe. The biggest challenge I’ve had, which many creatives face, is actually selling my artwork. It’s not easy getting your pieces out there and hoping it ‘speaks’ to someone enough to buy it. I’ve done everything from art shows and instructing, to running my own furniture art gallery over the years. Some shows are more successful than others, and having a brick-and-mortar business comes with lots of overhead so you have to be successful before you turn the key. I was very fortunate to have an established following and a very popular outlet for my work when I ran my store, Peggy Boyd Designs, in Des Moines. At the time, I was working as an author of instructional books and a designer for Meredith Publications & Plaid Enterprises. This led to a lot of exposure as my pieces and instructional work were featured in over a dozen magazines across the country. Along the way, many unforeseen challenges arose like economic downturns, the crumbling of the publishing world, and medical misfortunes. All of these things slow you down, making you question your priorities which affects your creativity. But like any passionate pursuit, I have always found a way to keep moving forward while taking solace in my artwork.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in organic, abstract art on a variety of substrates. I wanted to get out of my head a bit and start coloring outside the lines, so to speak. I enjoy the ambient feel of free-flowing paint, ending up with something beautiful and almost intentional. For years, I created realistic fine art that mirrored real-life images, landscapes, and still life, but I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone and started combining my fine arts background and color consulting experience with a more relevant type of abstract art. I love seeing the color combinations come alive, and as an ambassador for a large paint and craft company like Plaid, I have had the unique opportunity to try all different types of mediums. From chalk paint and acrylic to alcohol ink and resins, these mediums have really expanded and changed my approach to art, liberating me to try new ideas. If I’m not trying something different or making mistakes, I’m not growing or developing as an artist.
If you want it painted on canvas, furniture, tiles, or floorcloths, I am able to bring your creations to life. On my website, you can make a custom order and soon will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind items in my existing inventory. I’m also in the process of launching my YouTube channel that will feature instructional videos for aspiring DIYers that want to join the virtual classroom.
What makes you happy?
Being creative in my peaceful art studio with a cup of coffee and the music playing to start my day. Outside of creating, happiness comes from spending time with my beautiful family, which includes three small Pomeranians. My husband has been more than supportive over the years with the ups and downs of an artist’s life, and my sons are the best when it comes to giving feedback on my work. They have truly gotten an education on the inner-workings of the art world starting out as “momma’s movers” when they were small boys helping set up at my art shows. Now as adults, they are helping me with social media and e-commerce. I’m also delighted to welcome my new daughter-in-law to our family whose eyes reflect the same passion for creativity as mine did as a young girl. As for the 3 small Pomeranian dogs I mentioned, well they are just the icing on the cake that I call my wonderful life. All this is what brings me joy and I believe a good life’s balance keeps my mind stimulated, creative, and HAPPY!
Contact Info:
- Email: Peggy@thecreativefind.com
- Website: thecreativefind.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativefind/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecreativefind
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecreativefind
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thecreativefind
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/thecreativefind
