Today we’d like to introduce you to Raine Jackson.
Hi Raine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself and your story.
Hi, I’m Raine, Owner and Artist at WanderBrush Studio. As a child, I was always into art, drawing, making and designing stuff, decorating my room -the whole nine. As I approached college, I knew I wanted to pursue a creative career, but I didn’t want to be a “starving artist” (I know, shame on me for killing the dream!). I chose architecture and interior design as “more practical” applications of the artist, one who crafts the built environment, following the likes of Michelangelo, Frank Gehry, and many other Architect-Artist phenoms. Post-college, while working as a designer in Houston, I got a part-time job at a local paint-and-sip studio, and my childlike passion for art reemerged! I loved it. Teaching painting classes was the perfect gig for me! It leveraged my creativity, innate artistic abilities, sociable personality, and many years of hospitality and event-hosting that I perfected during my college years. A year later, my architecture career brought me to Dallas. My former boss connected me with a local studio, and the paint parties continued! After a few years, the studio was shuttered, but I wasn’t ready to set down the paintbrush. So, I decided to go out on my own! While I loved working at a brick-and-mortar studio, I knew I wanted to do something a little more flexible and authentically me. Something that was a custom experience that meets the client where they’re at, literally. And so, WanderBrush Traveling Art Studio was born!
We’ve been impressed with WanderBrush Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
WanderBrush Studio was born of the idea that art (paintbrush) can happen anywhere (wanderer) and is a play on the word ‘wanderlust.’ We offer private paint parties (i.e., Birthday, Girl’s Nite, Bachelorette, Baby Shower, etc.), team building events, art therapy sessions, open paint sessions, and holiday or DIY décor craft parties. The freedom of not having to just pick from a library of paintings allows me to co-create a custom art experience for you and your group that is tailored to your desired end product, skill level, time constraint, location, and budget. Need a painting to match your home décor? Inspired by something you saw online? Let’s figure out what that could look like, and then I’ll teach you how to create it yourself – and we’ll party while doing it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Bringing the idea of WanderBrush to life was actually pretty seamless, and we got off to a great start. However, as with any entrepreneurial adventure, there are challenges. The obvious challenge was balancing a studio operation with a full-time architecture career and motherhood. Luckily, that is the beauty in the flexibility of having a traveling art studio and a “by reservation” operation. There are inherent positive challenges with the planning of each art project, but just like my role as an Architect, it’s my job to help bring the client’s ideas to life in a fun, user-friendly, and achievable way. Beyond that, I’d say I’ve found one of the most challenging aspects in this day and age is keeping up with social media trends and marketing from a part-time capacity. Luckily, we’ve been primarily sought out and promoted by word-of-mouth marketing.
What matters most to you?
I’m passionate about the spirit of creativity and individual expression. It’s not about being good at art. It’s the process, the exploration, the risk-taking, and then the Surprise of creating something great! Admittedly, I use WanderBrush to help keep that spirit alive within myself, as well as stay fresh as an architect. I understand and feel the value of humans exercising and stretching that creative muscle. I think many of us grow up trying to make our way through the world, and somewhere along the way, we lose that creative curious child inside. We tell ourselves, “I’m no Artist,” or even “I’m not creative,” and it simply isn’t true! So, I’m passionate about reigniting that spirit within my clients and reintroducing them to their creative selves. That is the cherry on top! From the adult clients who may be 20+ years removed from ‘art class’ or those that love art, hosting an intimate party with you and your friends and family, just getting together and doing something you love is such a joy to be a part of. Being flexible and mobile allows me to meet you where you are, literally and figuratively. Having a private party at your home, office, etc. with your friends or family creates a comfortable environment that better harbors that exploration and limits the inhibition to “art.” We want you to not only have an art piece you’re proud of at the end, but also enjoy the journey along the way.
Pricing:
- Pricing can vary depending on the painting or craft, and location, but party pricing starts at $20/child and $30/adult, with group discounts available.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WanderBrushStudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderbrushdfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WanderBrushDFW
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcleKWT_j86LnrLJLIrS0fQ
