Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Debbie Daniels, Owner of Debbie Daniels Art, located in Friday Harbor, WA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I’m the owner of Debbie Daniels Art and Friday Harbor Atelier. I create large-scale photorealistic oil paintings of oceans and seaside subject matter. I am a member of Oil Painters of America and a signature member of the American Society of Marine Artists. My work can be seen at corporations and hospitals throughout the U.S., including Google in Seattle and Providence Medical Center in LA.

Tell us about yourself

I have been painting since I was a child. It is my passion, and I find it impossible not to paint. When all of my kids were grown, I realized I could put myself into my art full-time and create a business out of it, so I started studying art marketing through books and podcasts. I followed almost every suggestion that these resources gave and, within 2 years, was making a 5-figure income. However, the bottom line is I would do what I’m doing whether anyone paid me for it or not.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is getting a solo show at a museum.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest part of being a business owner is doing all the non-fun aspects of the business. All of us who are entrepreneurs are in our businesses most likely because we love what we are doing. However, in every business, there is some work we’d rather not do. The hardest thing is to be diligent and do those things even though they are difficult and not fun.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be diligent! Work hard even on the days you don’t feel like it.
  2. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Keep putting yourself out there without being afraid to hear “no.”
  3. Have fun, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.debbiedanielsart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiedaniels4567/


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