Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Delashaw
Hi Summer, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I think back, my life as an artist began when I was just a kid. I have been an artist as long as I can remember — I was a side-walk-chalk and tracing fashion models on tracing paper kind of kid, took all of the art classes, and stuck with it all the way through college with the ongoing support and encouragement of my parents who saw something developing in me. Through the years of diving into different types of art in and outside if school, I continued to develop not only skills, but a deep love for creating and putting my heart into the work that my hands and eyes and heart work together to curate. Growing up with this love led me to studying Studio Art at Baylor University, where I graduated in 2023. There, I learned and grew more than I could have ever imagined not just in my work as an artist and photographer, but as a person. Now, I run a full time art and photography business, By Summer Delashaw, and I love every second! There is something special and purposeful about doing the work you believe God made you for.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As an entrepreneur (and big dreamer), there are always little challenges that come with the goals and dreams and visions that I have. I would say the main thing that I had to take a leap of faith with was just starting. Picking a date on the calendar and just launching the business! Especially having no idea how things would go financially at first, as it was my first time fully committing to the business, 40+ hours a week. Which leads me to my next challenge, which was my largest obstacle before committing to do this full time — time management. Before launching my business officially, I had another part time job and attempted to do art alongside it, splitting my time. I had a very hard time committing the focus to my art that I needed to in order to be successful. Being a full time creative is not 40 hours of painting and snapping the camera as many people think, it is a full time business that comes with many hours put into accounting, marketing, communication, planning, etc. Finding the balance of taking care of these tasks along with setting aside undivided, undistracted time to actually create is not easy, but 100% necessary I have learned. I think this is a common struggle with artists, is actually finding the time and space to even think about what they want to create and who they want to be, and THEN sit down and do it. But, all that to say, my ‘yes’ to this dream of mine has made these struggles smaller, as I get to structure my time in such a way that I can be organized and work hard on the business, while also giving myself breathing room to dream and think and create without other stressors in the back of my head.
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?
My name is Summer Faith Delashaw, I am 23 years old and I own my own business, ‘By Summer Delashaw.’ The three main things that I offer through my business are Original Fine Art, Commissioned art, and Photography. For my art, I create my own original artwork that I sell in a variety of places including online, in galleries, and occasional pop-ups (I was recently a vendor at Magnolia’s ‘Silobration’ event this past October!). I work with all types of mediums including oil paint, graphite (pencil), charcoal, coffee, watercolor, and just about anything else. A large portion of my day-to-day work is commissioned pieces — this is where I partner with a client to create original artwork that is fitting to their space and vision. From a sentimental small framed sketch to a multiple-piece oil painting series for an interior design project, I work with them to ensure coloring, style, and quality is all in line. I love working with people to bring their vision to life and create pieces that hold meaning. For photography, I do a variety of shoots including portraits, events, brands and fun styled shoots. I am passionate about capturing not just those perfect ‘magazine cover’ moments, but the in-between moments that bring you right back to a place and time, just as you remember it.
I think By Summer Delashaw is unique because it allows me as a creative to offer and work in multiple faucets that I love and thrive in. I love that everyday looks different, and that I get to answer “Could you do something like this?” with a “Yes!” and get to work on all the different ideas that come my way. It is a gift to get to steward my creativity, curating a variety of beautiful work that holds meaning and brings joy. I hope my brand does just that.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a pretty joyful, content and social kid. Since I was little, I have loved people and life. I have always loved to be outside in the sun or near water, and spent a lot of time running around with my brother outdoors. I remember always being interested in art, too. As I mentioned before, I loved creating in all different ways since I was very little whether that was drawing horses or fashion, taking pictures, writing, painting pottery, or pretty much anything else you could think of. These things have been true of me carrying into adulthood!
Pricing:
- For my artwork, I charge by the square inch based on material used and complexity of design.
- For photography, I offer all different packages based on what you are looking to have done. Branding, portraits, families, weddings, and so on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bysummerdelashaw.com
- Instagram: @bysummerdelashaw
Image Credits
Libby Lea Photography (Studio images taken by, edited by me)
