Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Collins.
Hi Chrissy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been compelled to create. I’ve had several careers that have led me to where I am today, but the common thread has always been bringing visual elements together to create a cohesive look and feel. That’s why I paint, and it’s the part I enjoy the most.
After studying advertising and photography at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, I started a stationery line that I ran for nine years, creating custom invitations and greeting cards. That experience taught me how to start a business, build a website, and work with clients.
At the same time, I worked as a wedding planner, designing custom invitations and paper products to match the theme and color palette of an event.
I started painting when I was pregnant with my third son, Rhett. It began as a creative outlet during a busy season of life, and over time, it became something I pursued seriously. I’ve now been painting for almost a decade. I’m self-taught, and I’m still experimenting, growing, and trying new styles. That’s why my work continues to evolve.
I love collaborating with designers to use color and accents to portray a vision. Art, fabrics, accents, and furniture all play a role to build a cohesive feeling. It’s fun to watch how many personalities a room can take on just by switching out the art.
I’m an abstract artist. What matters most to me are unique color combinations, layering, and composition. I’m inspired by textiles, architecture, color, and works of art I’ve encountered in my travels. I love working in layers, building up paint so that earlier moments peek through underneath. The process involves allowing one layer to dry before coming back and adding more. My work is generally lighthearted, cheerful, and full of personality. I aim to create pieces that feel positive and interesting without being too predictable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be honest, I’ve been very lucky throughout this process. I learned a lot from my earlier career experiences, and I had a clear sense of how I wanted to approach this from the beginning.
One thing I knew right away was that I wanted to build my own website from scratch. In my stationery business, I had outsourced web design, and that turned out to be really limiting. I had to rely on a developer to update the site when I wanted to add products or change the images, and it was tough to give up that control. As an artist, it’s important to me that my web and social media presence represents my genuine artistic vision. I thought long and hard about the vibe I wanted to portray, and it feels great to fully own the look, feel, and function of my site.
I also knew I didn’t want to rush this business. It started as a hobby – a creative outlet – and it’s important to me to enjoy the creative process. I knew that if I ever bit off more than I could chew, I’d lose that joy, and it would show in my work. I’ve always felt strongly about managing the number of pieces I take on at a time. I want to be proud of every single piece I create – every one feels like my favorite! – and I would never sell something I didn’t truly love. So I’m deliberate about taking it slow and allowing my creative joy to shine through in the finished product.
Another thing I was really intentional about was staying focused on original, high-quality artwork. Coming from the paper and printing industry, I knew I didn’t want to get back into mass production. My stationery line had over 400 products at one point, and while I loved the process of creative design, the packaging and shipping elements could be stressful. I wasn’t going to repeat that mistake.
Honestly, I’ve been really lucky. Most of my clients have come to me in an authentic way. They’re excited, and they trust me. I like to think that’s because I’ve always focused on open communication from the start. When you communicate well, you set yourself and your clients up for a great experience.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create large-scale mixed media abstract paintings on canvas that are known for their unique color combinations, layered texture, sophistication, and lighthearted energy. I specialize in custom commissions, working with designers and homeowners to create pieces that complement a space while bringing something bold and interesting to the room. My work is designed to make a statement but also feel like part of the home. I also believe in creating art that fits into people’s lives, not just in scale, but in mood and energy.
What sets me apart is that I don’t have a strict formula. I follow inspiration as it comes, which means each piece feels genuinely fresh and personal. That said, over time, my process has evolved into a unique signature look. I work in layers, and I let each layer peek through to give the painting depth and story.
I’ve intentionally built my business in a way that prioritizes quality over volume. I paint what I want to buy, and I want every piece to be my favorite. That level of care and authenticity will always be a fundamental part of my art.
At the end of the day, I’m gratified that my work still feels fun and creatively fulfilling. I love what I do, and I think that makes the difference. I am proud of myself for doing it all on my own.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
What excites me most is that I still have so many ideas. I see this as a career I can continue forever and that will keep growing and improving as I do. I’m really into travel right now, which you’ve probably seen if you follow me on Instagram. I consider my travels to be research and development for my art. It’s what keeps me inspired, curious, and pushing in new directions.
I’m excited to keep discovering new materials, trying new techniques, and seeing what sticks. I love hearing feedback and connecting with people on Instagram. It’s always fun to see what resonates.
A great way to connect with me is to follow me on instagram. That is the platform I use most. I am constantly showing my most recent work and if you follow me you get to see inside my studio as I work on my projects. Also, a DM is the quickest way to contact me for commissions.
My Instagram handle is @chrissycollinsart
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrissycollinsart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissycollinsart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrissycollinsart
Image Credits
Tarin Frantz
