Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Donovan.
Sarah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my business creating custom wedding invitations featuring my floral artwork. I eventually started making greeting cards with my artwork and illustrations. After offering my cards and prints to stores via wholesale, I started to feel a pull toward creating original paintings. I wanted to go back to original and truly handmade. I’m now offering original artwork in addition to greeting cards and fine art prints.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a smooth ride when I focus on what makes me excited as an artist. When I’m genuinely focused on what I want to make versus what’s trendy, the stars seem to align. The struggles have come when I try too hard to sell to a store or client that maybe isn’t the best fit. Another struggle has been not knowing whether to pursue shows or focus more locally and online. Shows can be so great for business but can drain my energy. Also, some shows end up being extremely slow for various reasons. I guess you could say it’s a struggle finding balance, which may not even be a real thing, haha.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Stationery Bakery story. Tell us more about your art.
I specialize in creating unique portraits of animals wearing one of a kind outfits. I like to think of each animal as someone I may party with or attend a fancy dinner with. They’re bikers, designers, fashionistas, and like the finer things. I’m proud of getting the opportunity to paint truly beautiful creatures in a unique way. I’m proud of the fabulous clients who hire me and trust my vision and artistic voice.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
This is tough to answer honestly! It seems I’ve mostly had good luck in the sense of meeting the right people at the right time. That said, I’ve always put myself out there and really work to meet people and make connections. I don’t know if it’s bad luck but anxiety is something I’ve dealt with, especially the past five years. At times, it’s been hard to really work as hard as I’d like to. The flip side is anxiety makes my brain creative, so I use that and channel it into my quirky paintings.
Pricing:
- $25.00 for 8 x 10 fine art prints
- $250.00 for an original 8 x 10 custom painting
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stationerybakery.com
- Phone: 5126326855
- Email: stationerybakery@gmail.com
- Instagram: @stationerybakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stationerybakery/
Image Credit:
Grace Pfeiffer Photography
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