Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Lieffers.
Linda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2018, I decided I was going to take a year off from my regular job and try my hand at painting. I basically lived in my garage creating one painting after another and trying out different styles. It took a long time to find a style that came naturally and was different from other artists. I started creating big, colorful soft abstracts and found I loved to blend my colors. I also documented my art journey on Instagram and started getting a following. From my Instagram account, I began getting clients and found myself selling multiple artworks. As a result, I never returned to my old job and began my new career as a full-time artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been smooth trying to build an art business. You have to stay incredibly focused and create each day to master your craft. It takes tremendous time and dedication to not only create but also working hard at getting your artwork out there and noticed. There are so many really talented artists out there, so it’s rather challenging trying to make your brand stand out. Whether it’s posting on multiple platforms, reaching out to different companies and design firms, or making cold calls to local galleries and stores, it requires stamina as well as a certain amount of confidence. At times I felt like throwing in the towel, however, perseverance and a strong mindset kept me going even when I felt defeated.
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?
I am known for my use of highly pigmented colors and large-scale artwork. I paint mostly soft, cloud-like abstracts, however, in the last year, I have been creating other styled artworks. The jump in style has come about because I now work for various companies producing items such as wallpaper, rugs, prints, and home decor items. I am required to follow certain color palettes and themes, so it’s been so exciting trying new things and leaving my comfort zone. I feel really honored to be asked to design different products and to see my creations sold through various outlets.
I am really not sure what sets my artwork apart from others, however, I do create from a place of passion. I put my heart and soul into everything I create and will not let any design or painting leave my studio until it’s been meticulously inspected.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t think I can say that I have had any lucky breaks that have escalated my success in the art world. It has taken tremendous time, lots of trial and errors, and even failures to get me to this point in my career. It began with picking up a brush and doing the work that was needed. Staying disciplined and utterly determined to make art that people want takes hard work as well as some skill. The only way you gather skill is through repetition and by having this strong desire to do better than the day before.
