Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Becknel
Hi Dominique, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Dominique (Dom) and I have always been an artist. I’ve been creating and crafting using anything I can get my hands on. As many kids do, I started off with stick figures and corner suns. In elementary school, I was able to design a school shirt and was voted “Most Likely to Become an Artist”. I took my first and only art class in middle school (Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it). Junior high is when the classwork doodling started; I wish I could have seen my teachers’ reactions to eye sketches on every sheet of paper I had to turn in. Those doodles turned into binder designs in high school. I became known as “That artist girl” and anytime there was a creative group project…(you know where I am going with this)… I was immediately in the sights of at least 10 scopes.
High school is where my creative career began to flourish. I was completing mini-commissions or sketches for friends and acquaintances, competed in my first artistic competition, won my first art contest, and proudly created a comic book for an English class project (I wish I could have kept it but my teacher enjoyed it so much that he kept the darn thing…).
After graduating high school, I balanced work with my artistic endeavors for years. After successfully entering art contests and working on commissions for co-workers, I decided to officially start my art business in July of 2021! ArtXDom is a one-employee ride… for the most part; on show or market days, my wonderful boyfriend, Francisco, is an amazing helper and overall supporter.
Art shows and markets have significantly contributed to ArtXDom’s current standing. I have met so many amazing people and experienced what creative communities can offer to their patrons. I thank those who have enjoyed and purchased my artwork; these “simple” actions mean so much to a small business like mine. Additionally, I have met many other wonderful artists and creatives through these events. This community has been so welcoming! There is much communication between us of discussing business opportunities and providing support to each other on social media.
ArtXDom is growing steadily and it is important to note that each piece of artwork created is made with the utmost care and love. Art will always be my first passion and I hope even more people will discover and enjoy my works.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning and operating ArtXDom has definitely been a fun and bumpy road. The biggest struggle that I had not anticipated is the amount of time that must go into the business aspects of managing and marketing. Creating art, outside of the usual struggles consisting of occasional art block, is not the challenge for me. The challenge is making sure that the artwork is seen by an audience and providing a means of reliable contact if someone ends up loving and is interested in the piece. Social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram have allowed me to expand my audience and communicate through public and private messaging. Additionally, creating a website provides a trustworthy spot where my artwork can be looked at and purchased. I have been better at managing the time that goes into my business and this has led to an increase in sales and online followers. I am more of a “calm poster” now but pretty soon I hope to share more content such as behind-the scenes of my paintings and other works.
A smaller struggle of mine related to comfortably conversing in-person. I am an introvert and when first starting to attend markets and shows, would stumble on my words or fail to greet market-goers. Some of my beginner interactions with customers were painfully hilarious and I am happy to say that I have gotten much better at talking to people! This is another reason why I have grown to love these events; the people have helped me to relax in outside settings. If you are reading this interview, have talked to me, and remember that conversation being awkward, I apologize – I am not the same person as before.
The wonderful fact with owning your own business is that you can be as creative as you want, no matter which area you are focusing on. Although I have faced these challenges, and will undoubtedly encounter more in the future, I am having fun while navigating the solutions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist, I always have a difficult time describing ArtXDom’s style because there is no “one style”; not only are my subjects constantly changing, but my mediums do as well. ArtXDom showcases a majority of mixed-media artworks consisting of acrylic paint, watercolor, acrylic ink, colored pencils, alcohol markers, beads and charms, gold and silver leaf foil, and many more mediums. However, if I absolutely had to describe my artwork, I would mention words such as “cute”, “creepy”, “whimsical”, “dark”, and “unique”.
I focus on original paintings and drawings, as well as home decor items such as coasters, signs, and ornaments. If curious, visit my website at www.artxdom.com and see for yourself!
Overall, I am most proud of my ability and skill to continue creating. Painting or sketching, for even a small amount of time, lifts my spirits no matter what mood I am in. As far as specific works go, I am most proud of two pieces I completed this past year. First, I painted a Palestinian-themed piece using gouache and acrylic ink. This artwork was submitted in an art-for-aid fundraiser, along with other beautiful works from many artists, and helped to bring perinatal care to Palestinian families. The second piece was a commission for a lovely family; the parents enjoyed one of my original Halloween paintings and wanted me to create a similar piece that highlighted their family. I used watercolor, acrylic and calligraphy ink, as well as alcohol markers to create their wish. Additionally, I spray painted a frame to look similar to the original artwork’s frame since I could not find a similar one.
As far as ArtXDom goes, each piece is a labor of love. As mentioned before, my subjects and mediums are always changing but just know each artwork is made because I felt so passionate in all its aspects ranging from the sketching process to the final layer of protective varnish applied. You will always receive a cared-for and unique piece of artwork.
What makes you happy?
The arts make me happy. I love painting, music, reading, dancing, and watching films. The creative process behind all of these is inspirational. While making art, cooking, or doing anything that doesn’t require specific focus, I’ll have playlists of music or podcasts on. I focus on dancing for cardio workouts (that’s the only type of exercise I do). Reading allows me to take a break from real-world situations and I find myself immersed in the story. When we first started dating, Francisco and I would do nothing but go to the movies for our couple outings; I’m talking two to three movies a week… it was crazy… and expensive.
When it comes to the arts, it is the result of what humans create that inspires me constantly. The emotion, the beauty, the ugly, the want or need to create something after witnessing an inspirational or unheard-of moment; these all make me happy, or at the very least motivated.
Aside from the arts, I love being around my family. Luckily, my family is filled with creatives who have similar tastes. We are constantly laughing-crying and bond over movies, music, and get-togethers. My brother, Neve, and my sister, Judy, are two of the most creative people in my life; anytime one of us completes something crafty, we are immediately showing the other two. My boyfriend and our adorable dog, Chandler, are a gigantic source of happiness for me. Francisco has always encouraged my artistic doings and supports me and my often-ridiculous ideas. He is such a beautiful person, through and through. I could not imagine my life without my loved ones or practices.
Pricing:
- ArtXDom pricing varies (Check website for up-to-date listings)
- A variety of affordable pricing will always be present at ArtXDom
- Certain original artwork is priced under $100
- Prints are as low as $5.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artxdom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artxdom_/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artxdom
