How I took my hobby art business to a successful full-time art career.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Do you have an art business? LMK👇🏻Don't miss my course The Art Within! We cover sketching and watercolor fundamentals, discover creative style, and how to get into "flow state" for optimal creative mindset. Check it out: www.jennarainey.com/the-art-within // If you want more monthly watercolor tutorials, I offer ad-free Patreon-exclusive tutorials and live art classes on my Patreon. www.jennarainey.com/patreon

[@sueorange7348]

Hi Jenna- I am a newcomer to your tutorials and I am amazed at your generosity in sharing your time , and of course talent, with others. Very encouraging to me with definite imposter syndrome! Thank you and every good wish for your future- Susan in UK

[@kaitlyndear5735]

My story is a lot like yours. Creative my whole life, had a job I hated and was obsessed with watercolor, people started buying and asking for commission, snowballed into markets and workshops, and then finally registered my LLC and now working to license. Thanks Jenna for being the best role model and for always sharing your knowledge! I’m a loyal student of Jenna Rainey University lol 🤘🏼

[@karlabritfeld7104]

Working to license? What's that?

[@lauriewarner4848]

What an inspiration. I am a designer. I worked in the garment industry for 30 + years. Retired, opened a clothing store, sold that and moved back to California. Got a job doing display for Anthropology at 60. Had to quit, to care for my parents. I now just keep my hands busy. People tell me to start an Etsy shop with each new project. I love hearing your success story. Thank you for the share…

[@shinyshinythings]

You’re an inspiration for me, I just turned 60 and just started painting. :)

[@amrutaponkshe]

What an inspiration both of you are. Thanks for sharing your journey ❤

[@zoe_723]

What you do has been my dream for over 10 years.. it took me 10 years to gwt the courage to start❤. I wont let fear stop me anymore!

[@swearbearco]

I'm 20 years old and have enjoyed creating art since before I can remember. These past couple years I have had a lot of medical stuff hit me, which has lead to me being unable to work as much. This year I have been dabbling in other art mediums to distract myself from stress. I've seen many artists my age starting their own businesses and thriving, which has inspired me to do the same. I'm in the early EARLY stages, but I'm still so excited. I haven't been this passionate about something since I was a little kid with my first acrylic paint set. When you mentioned that in the beginning all you could think about was art- I related so much. Even when I am bedridden, I am thinking of new things to create.

[@TiffanyT-LaDolceVita]

Keep going!!!

[@aliseromeiko]

Most valuable 15 minutes online today. Thank you Jenna for sharing, wishing you the best!

[@Blick_Art]

One of the things we love about this channel is it helps people new to art find what they love about making art, and kindle that into the passion and determination that can sustain a lifelong pursuit. This is excellent teaching, and excellent coaching!

[@saraht4973]

Loved this video. Here is a short version of where i am in art… been painting since 4th grade..studied fine art is collage. Married and he was drafted (yes i am a senior..ha) moved every 3 y .. in and out of the country. Kept painting whenever i could. Gave most of it away. Payed for child education by taking a position in Banking.. retired as a svp and am back at painting full time. Took up watercolor during COVID. Love,love it. Would like to make it pay for itself. Not sure that will happen but love to paint. Now volunteering to paint portraits of homeless vets as they get employment etc. Thank you for sharing your journey and I imagine the journey is not over yet. The very best to you.

[@sarag.8]

I just finished Everyday Watercolour, painted everything, including the little donkey! Now I am starting Everyday Watercolour Flowers. I wanted to start this hobby many years ago, before You tube existed, but the Art tutorial books that I had were too advanced for me. Your You Tube lessons started from the very basics, and I finally got it, and this became my favourite hobby. Your free online teachings have helped me a lot and your books are a great addition to the videos. I am very grateful for these lessons you have taught, they helped me to really start painting and developing in it. 💌 Your art is beautiful!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I'm so glad to hear that my resources have been helpful for you, Sara! Thanks for the love!! 💕

[@ArtByHazel]

Thank you Jenna for sharing your beautiful story. I’m working on my art skills as a hobby and looking forward to selling my stuff consistently too. You are an inspiration to everyone who wanted to start something and become a story of success. ❤

[@danielpreilly77]

So i went to school for art and graphic design in the late 90s. Worked in educational publishing as a graphic designer for a while, been a stay at home dad for two awesome boys for the last ten years. My little is on the autism spectrum, and i’m needed at home to support him, he is a total daddy’s boy, so he’s awesome and I’m really lucky, but being a special dad; it’s hard. now i am in my mid forties and trying to figure out how to get back in the game. I volunteer poster design here, t-shirt design there, in my community, and that’s rad, it feels great to make stuff, but I want to step it up. My passion is still with graphic design and typography, but also really love working with wood, paint and I really loves plants and cooking. I’m trying to figure out an art business that can be flexible, but focuses on my passions, I think I’d like to start with craft fairs at first and see where it goes. I have a few other ideas as well. On the cusp of another international move with my family this summer, we move a lot with my wife’s job, which has pros and cons, I’ll have a fresh start again this fall. I found your delivery here open an honest, very informative, you’re a sound communicator, cheers. New subscriber, thanks for the inspiration. Dabbled in water color back in the day, still have my brushes, paper, tubes and cakes, will have a look at your water color content. Also interested in your licensing experience and your other art business knowledge, my lack of confidence in these areas has always held me back. Cheers 🤜🏻⚡️🤛🏻

[@thefabuloustravelingartstu5119]

For such a young woman, you have your act together. good job.

[@heatherfranco5810]

Your story really resonated with me especially the part where you would be thinking of art 24/7. I’m struggling right now with finding time to start an online business and KZbin about metal smithing and jewelry design. I have a young child so finding time for myself can be a challenge in itself.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

Just do the art. Don't worry about online business.

[@BarKeegan]

Respect the fact you didn’t let the experience during your first big project put you off 👌

[@stpapparopriate]

I love watercolor! Found it during the lockdown and It quickly became my "covid craft." I mostly give my work as gifts, and I've done a couple commissions. That was weird. People have told me I should set up an Etsy shop, and I may just do it. Your story is inspiring me to take the leap.

[@lilbooyoshisaurmunchakoopas]

i just found you randomly - then when you showed your book Everyday Watercolour I was like wth i've seen this name and book before?! .....then i realised, when i was younger i must have loaned your book from the library. i recall very early age motivation to become an artist - thank you SO MUCH!

[@monicaschroeder650]

Thank you, Jenna! I found you during Covid and have loved watching you grow! I'm still enjoying watercolor and it's a hobby for me, a relaxation and break from other things. Love your story, your passion and your talent! Thank you ❤️

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Those live classes were literally the highlight of Covid 🎨

[@tvamyr58]

Jenna, I completely enjoyed this video, and your story. I am a hobby painter (watercolor) and have dreamt for a long time of illustrating books, having an Etsy shop, and selling my work. Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration!

[@mikefritz3322]

Really, it’s how you developed a successful teaching, graphic art and design business. Artist means different things between commercial artist vs fine artist. Very different worlds.

[@dingdongpoopoo7605]

This is so inspiring. I'm at the day job-i-hate stage. Used to be in art school and thought I wouldn't be able to make a living. Now thinking of going back. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@annevickers3307]

It was your first book that got me into watercolor. Then I found you on your you tube. My journey started with you in your first book. That was before I knew how great your personality is on you tube. Sincerely, thank 😢 you.

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

What an incredible journey! Love that you did your brother in law and old roommate’s wedding stationery ✍️ Just an amazing humble start, by just helping out family and then turning it into an Art empire!!! Can’t wait to see where you (and John and Kelly) will take this business 🎉

[@nanettesrainycitypours]

Omgosh I'm a believer!!! I started the fluid art -paint pouring deal, I'm alone, 60 and also hate my day job... but 8m going to try to figure it all out too. Thank you for this, my 1st of your videos, I'll be paying close attention!! Plus you have a relaxed teaching style I love, thank you!!!😊

[@AnggiSahamCantik]

Thank you for sharing that it takes 10 years for you to build your business. Really put things into perspective that good things takes time.

[@Be_Light_Be_Love_Be_Divine]

To answer your question, I found everything to be surprising and inspiring. My daughters are really good at drawing Anime like people and they love to draw. So, I shared your story with them, so they can see that having art as a passion, can lead to whatever they want to do with it. I am excited to watch more videos with them and even do some water painting. We love painting and I want to see them continue to grow in what they love to do and so I am happy to see and find your channel and work today. Great Job!!! 🌻🌻🌹🌹❤❤

[@MJWINNER_Sketchbook999]

Wow our daughter fabulous at drawing aswell I was just speaking to my mr about THIS. Drawing is life changing. And it helps with so many things.

[@cookiee2235]

I love to make art, it's my passion! The job world it isn't great to me. I starter last year my business, in addition to my job. And I now focus on my art. I am an artist, that should be my job! It isn't easy yes, because I don't give up

[@odulcina]

I am an art artist too, I discovered junk journals 3 years ago and just got obsessed with that hobby and I wanted to create printable files for the junk journals so, I bought the technology equipment needed (Apple Pro tablet with the pen & Procreate application) and started to learn how to create digitals (printable files) … again, I was obsessed and still is! :) I started my Etsy shop, KZbin channel (Odulcina), quit my IT job and live the dream now by working in my passion, creating content, tutorials, digitals … quite a journey in 3 years and I would have never imagine that it would be an option before, it got me by surprise but I jumped in. :) I love to listen to other people about their art business journey, thanks for sharing :) Anne, from Quebec, Canada.

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

Wow, what a ride you must have worked your butt off. I agree teaching is a talent. You are very good at it. You are an amazing businesswoman.

[@nichadaye1007]

I’m glad that I stopped to look at your video. I have 2 of your watercolor books. I’m retired and I’m going back to school. I’m going back to do my graphic design degree.

[@cowgirljane6976]

This is both an inspiration and an overwhelm. Pondering it all!

[@nicolasb.henry294]

I am on the same process as you on my way to living my full time job to become an artist and of course being able to sell my art. Vey inspiurational

[@joannekucks4343]

How delightful. I buy the Blue Sky monthly planners every fall at Stapes. I love them!

[@elaineomahony7254]

Could listen to you all day Jenna!!! You were born to teach, love your videos xxx

[@universelraelity]

Thank you for posting this - your experience at your last job (10 years ago) completely resonated with my current circumstance.

[@alethan1]

Awesome journey! Glad to be apart of it, love your technique and ease of instructions. Keep up the good work.

[@jewel5457]

Thank you for sharing this success story. Its an inspiration to the rest of us struggling entrepreneurs.

[@crystaltanart]

You’re my number one inspiration. For your art as well as your business. ❤

[@scottchristian8585]

I am very pleased and thankful that I came across your overview of your business and you starting from scratch. I am very inspired, and I intend to do something in a different vein, but in the same artistic vein, and I wanted to thank you personally for sharing this with us, you are an inspiration, and no dream is not possible.

[@leahcate1873]

I just started doing art 2 years ago! I’m having so much fun, and absolutely love it, but it’s still a hobby. I’ve sold a few paintings, and I make cards/paintings for friends all the time, but I would love to make it a legitimate side hustle. I still really like my day job though, so I’m not really looking to be a “full time” artist … at this point. Dreamy dream would be part time at my current work, and creating the rest of the time :) You are such an inspiration Jenna! Thanks for all your encouraging content! I love your stuff!!

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

Hi! This was a good overview if your path to success as a professional creative. It would be goid to emphasize to newbies/emerging creatives that what your primarily describing is a path/pricess to becoming a successful commercial (and graphic) artists which is not exactly the same for "fine" artists.

[@RisingNutrition]

Thanks for not giving up.

[@palesam4517]

So this is how the progress of learning on the go is like 👍 this is inspirational and gives a way broader perspective.

[@sanhitadatta9447]

What an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your well deserved success!!

[@rachelkashani]

Thank you Jenna for your reflection of your journey. I would definitely be a slow burn. Currently building my website with Art Storefront learning a lot.

[@ArtisticAccounting]

Thank you for sharing, very inspiring story for creatives out there.

[@laurapuchalski7402]

You and Emily Olson! Both taught piano, and became super artists!

[@Shrn57]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing your journey! You’re an inspiration! I discovered your work when my friend gifted me your Everyday Watercolor Sketchbook as I had started dabbling in watercolor during COVID lockdown after putting my craft on hold since 2001. It’s fun! I’m looking forward to learning more from you. I mastered my Sunflowers after watching your KZbin video!! 🌻😉

[@amrutaponkshe]

Such an inspiring journey. Thanks for sharing❤ I'm a writer and poet and so many of your tips are useful for creatives at large.

[@patriciahorelick6450]

I love your journey and your patience to keep going 💚

[@donatfairs204]

Thanks for sharing the journey to where you are now. You have attained an enormous amount of knowledge.❤

[@ArcticBanshee]

Hustle!!!! You know, this makes me think about the fact that one should be prepared for success and how fast things can happen. You have to throw your whole self into it while also cultivate patience and a willingness to absorb all you can. Especially about the business aspect of things. Not only that, but be prepared to go it alone and prop yourself up when you need to, if you aren’t lucky enough to have a support system in place. That may mean spending some time on Etsy or Pinterest and collecting inspiration from others in a similar field. There’s nothing new under the sun, but you are the only you, and pretty soon you will develop a style all your own. :)

[@Internauta-d7n]

Thanks for sharing your story! You are great and always inspiring!

[@stellakalymnios2466]

you have inspired me to start my art again.

[@RJones-tn5vg]

Hearing about the mistakes is helpful.

[@irismuddyhehe]

thank you for sharing your wonderful journey, its lovely to hear. as a fellow professional artist i love hearing about how other artists make it work and have the determination, drive, and different reactions to different opportunities that come along for them.

[@KaiFerrara805]

Omg another amazing video by Jenna! Thanks again! 🙏👩🏼‍🎨💖

[@appyhappyart]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I’m an artist & just started a KZbin channel, I think patience & determination is needed & of course passion. Thanks for the encouragement to keep going! 😊

[@yomamasan]

One minute cold open resonated with me do much

[@ChantelleArts]

This is really helpful and motivating, thanks for sharing 😊

[@dsgnbldr]

Jenna - great summary of a journey of resiliance & focus... your talents and vision of the end result as it's possabilities unfolded is truly inspiring! PS I love sharing your work and courses to motivate people on their watercolor journey's...

[@KatiaKayokoSaeki]

You’ve been great, this is so inspiring, thank you for this video ♥️🙏🏻

[@chrisglenn6429]

Thank you for sharing! You are so inspiration! I am a hobby artist and strive to be a profession at some point! Some day!

[@pinsel_und_farbe_nails]

I really liked Hearing your Story. It Always gives me Hope that people can make a living Out of Things they Love. I've Heard so often that you can't make Money with Art and you are prove that you can make creative stuff or teach people while also having a Business 👍

[@moma-b]

Congratulations to your successful journey and thank you for sharing your experience with us. 👏👏👏💞

[@AnnaKoehnArt]

Thanks, Jenna! I do art part time and would like to make more of an income so I can focus on doing what I love! I have a small youtube channel, sell work on my website, and take commissions through word of mouth. I make some money but I am working a TON for a little bit. I'd love any advice you can give! Your story was very encouraging. I am a mom of 6 little kids so making time for my own artistic pursuits takes tremendous willpower and sacrifice.

[@mortviolette284]

I think your story is by far the more common for artists. She clearly worked like crazy, but she also had a lot of luck. Success is often a combination of perseverance and luck. I wish you luck!

[@AnnaKoehnArt]

Thank you! @@mortviolette284 Your unexpected comment and encouragement made my night. Appreciatively, Anna

[@TiffanyT-LaDolceVita]

My sister makes over 100K selling jewelry on Etsy. The key word is, “obsessed.” Great video! Thank you!

[@SMCCRADY2]

I don't have an art business, but do have an art degree. Work in an accounting job that helps pay the bills, but art has always been my passion. I'm close to retirement age and hope to retire and do art for some income. I have some autoimmune diseases that limit me, but I, like you, feel like accounting sucks the life out of me. Looking forward to retirement.

[@stalesunday]

such a timely video for me- thank you!! also i'm beyond excited for your new book!!!

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Yeah can’t wait!!!! 🌊 📖

[@meridadiane]

You're a great teacher, so loving it is a win win🎉

[@ginacunningham2861]

You talk about so many aspects and processes about your journey so far, it's enlightening for anyone trying to accomplish some sense of purpose with their endeavours. 😊

[@caelinart]

Thank you so much for this extremely beautiful video. I needed this. I'm very very very grateful for this. You're incredible.

[@RodrigoKormann]

Very inspiring! I love lettering and I started a Redbubble store last year. No buyers until now. But I haven't done much to promote that too. Some other events happened. But videos like this inspire me to get back. Thank you!

[@visionstash]

I'd just like to say *RESPECT* ❤

[@UncleLouietheMillwright]

Hi Jenna, great history of your art career. Like you I got hired and fired many times. Finally I had enough and started my own pencil portrait studio in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba. Since that time of 2000 I taught in person art classes for the beginning artist in mind. Had my own "Learn to Draw Books with Al Sideen " and so on. Presently I am a caricature artist and get hired to draw at weddings and corporate events. Summer will be soon so I will be a travelling caricature artist with Wonder Shows. Wonder Shows does carnival rides and games for small towns fairs and festivals around southern Manitoba. So , yes once you find the art medium that you like to do and follow your passion, the sky is the limit. I compliment you on your business indivers as to being licensed and so on. This was done because poeple in organizations saw your talent and of course your personality. So good on you my friend! No doubt I wish you all the best in the year of 2023. What a beautiful video you did here as it is quite the testimony of you desire and passion. All the best Jenna.

[@lucindajoseph8585]

This is really inspiring - as somebody who's always been creative, painted constantly and always wanted to make it what I do for work. I currently have an etsy shop which is busy and an instagram which I'm finding difficult to grow currently. This video makes me feel like I may be able to scale up and build something career-worthy. It really is the dream

[@skymolto299]

WoW amazing story congratulations for all your experience and thanks for sharing your experience!!!❤

[@Elise10000]

This is the first video of yours I’ve watched, came up in my recommended feed (sometimes the algorithm works in our favor lol), outstanding, very information rich, humble, sharing. Thank you. I’ve subscribed. Inspiring. I had always created art, never considered myself an “artist” though it was the most defining thing about me, now art is in the closet due to work (but always the “real me” in the corner) and it’s time to…take it out. Thank you.

[@maryolchoart]

Fantastic video Jenna, thank you! I appreciate you sharing your journey…very inspiring!

[@TWEnglish100]

Thanks for this! Loved seeing the big picture of how you got where you are today!

[@slavicastepanovic259]

Great story! What a journey! Wish you all the best!

[@Dandasha2]

Thank you for sharing your journey Jenna. It’s really inspiring ❤

[@mariaslibeck9984]

About to become an Empty Nester. Planning on doing more watercolor! Loving your vids. Thx!

[@cyramclennan2580]

Wow thank you for this inspiring video! ❤ i love the ending the best! It can take years to work yourself up to the first step! Thats been what ive been going through ❤ trying to figure out what i want to share with the world ❤

[@sophiecoad7969]

Thank you for creating such a human and inspirational video. Just starting out of my journey this is what I needed to hear. Thank you ❤

[@peckerdecker]

Well done. You kept moving forward. Keep your eyes on the prize. :)

[@zaarteestdanaportiermorvan2453]

Thank you for this inspiration!

[@RevLetaLee]

Love the video, am a lifelong crafter, but I want to grow an art business. I have never been entrepreneurial, possibly because I get started and don't know what to focus on, the steps to take, and get frustrated. I have an idea of what I want to do and right now I am just working on experimenting and practicing to see if I even have enough skill to give it a go. I will continue following you and see if I can take this further.

[@thomasproshowski7538]

Wonderful video, I am a visual artist specialise in oil painting 🎨 . I hope to learn a good stuff from You Jenna.

[@lcbcreative2379]

Get it girl. It's inspiring to see how you made your career happen. I feel like I will be watching this video anytime I need encouragement in art and work.

[@PanayiotaJulieAlevizou]

This is so inspirational! thank you for sharing! just starting with ETSY and instagram now and it is such a challenge. I think things have gone much more diffucult now with ETSY. Love you books !

[@hannahtofalos1415]

Thanks Jenna. Loved hearing your story. It's inspired me as I continue with my design work. I paint onto glass and want to develop my skills of painting plants. Your tutorials look just the ticket 🙏

[@neyptune]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It always feels like you have to make a buzz on social media to be noticed as an artist, but as every other thing, there is no such thing as 100% luck, and your hardworking journey is proof to that. Thank you ☺️✨

[@budrothefox3666]

I sincerely don't understand how a person can accomplish and do so much.

[@jessicaangelesart]

I needed this!! Thank you so much for the inspiration 💕 and the reminder that good things take time 🧡 And I'm willing to work hard while I wait 🙏🏼

[@jamieseroogy766]

Your video is inspiring. I am finally at the place where I truly want to pursue art - I have done art shows, art markets and First Friday Art Walks before in the past but it was always something like yay it's here and it happened and then I stopped doing art for a while. I am starting The Artist's Way book with a group, I am in a surface pattern design course right now and I just found your channel - all are BABY steps. And this will take years and I need to get past the idea that I will just be old lol

[@Linda-kh6rl]

But you or so good an you have a great personality thats why you or so great an you never gave up❤

[@angelikabehlig1558]

Thank you for sharing your story with us! I admire your work and focus. Good luck from Germany Angelika

[@twangel46]

I. Could possibly been as successful as you as an oil painter but i had a fsmily and home educated, loving teaching as I did

[@nicolagascoyne7462]

You are so inspiring! What an amazing journey, thanks so much for sharing this 😊

[@dasblackstarr8288]

thank you for sharing your story... so inspiring 🥰

[@haileyaquino6997]

Thanks for this jenna! ur like the older art sister I never had :') love how KZbin makes it so easy to share and have a creative community