Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Guilfoile
Hi Haley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been a creator- since before I can remember. I can’t sit still, so just folding up gum wrappers, doodling in class, or arranging pieces of paper into mosaics.. I’ve always been creating something. I started selling things I made to folks at such a young age that entrepreneurialism has always been tied to my artwork.
Around 12 years old I started doing digital illustration work- and that’s when I really started scaling my sales online. I studied digital illustration at Academy of Art University from 2011-2016. It wasn’t until 2015 that I picked up a paintbrush on any serious level (I actually avoided painting at all costs!), I was commissioned to paint my first mural at ReWaxation in San Francisco. I fell in love with mural painting and did several more over the following 3 years before finally picking up painting on canvas. The past few years in particular have been a whirlwind of awesome opportunities. So thankful I discovered my love of painting!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think one of the things I struggle with is social media. I never wanted to be a “content creator”, I still don’t. It isn’t something that brings me joy. However, it’s the most efficient way to find clients and share my work, so I’m forced to put on a smile and make cute little reels on Instagram. While my following has grown and I’ve gotten some of my best opportunities via Instagram, I wish I could go without social media and still reach my audience!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a muralist and a pop artist. One thing I think that sets my work apart and “gets me the gig” a lot of the time is that my work is very commercial and eye catching, but also very fine-art. Sometimes finding a happy balance between fine art and commercial art is difficult- so I’m lucky my style lends itself both ways.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned how much I prefer to work from home! My immune system is awful and I get sick so much less frequently working remotely. I wish I had more of the community that artists have going in and painting in a studio with others, but I love being in control of my environment and not putting my health at risk daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovenotestudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovenotestudios
Image Credits
All photos taken by myself
