Today, we’d like to introduce you to Evelyne Dieu.
Hi Evelyne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! My journey began when I was 14, spending the summer with my grandparents in Spain. My grandmother had taken up painting as a hobby, and after joining her for a class, the teacher advised me to switch to an art-based high school. I did just that, and one of the first classes I took was interior design. Within three weeks, I knew I wanted to become an interior designer.
After high school, I pursued a degree in interior design and moved to Texas for my senior year to study in the United States, completing an internship in Dallas. Throughout this time, I kept painting, although I wasn’t sure I could make a living from it. My passion for business and interior design led me to enroll at an American university for an Executive MBA in Operational Effectiveness. I graduated this summer with a second Executive MBA concentration in Leadership and Innovation.
While I always painted as a hobby, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to share my work on social media. To my surprise, within a few weeks, the Van Gogh Art Gallery in Madrid invited me to exhibit at the International Contemporary Art Fair at the Paris Expo in France. That invitation was the confirmation I needed to pursue a professional art career. I started my art business, focusing on realistic portrait paintings, mixed media art, and home decor.
When I moved back to the United States in 2021, I relocated my business to Dallas and began rebuilding it there, including charitable work and partnerships with non-profit organizations to give back to the community that welcomed me with open arms. Since then, I’ve exhibited in numerous galleries, hosted pop-up shops, formed partnerships, and sold home decor items through small retail stores and online platforms. Most recently, I signed a new collaboration with Sune by QVC.
Balancing my passions for art, business, and interior design has been incredibly fulfilling. My diverse experiences have shaped me into a versatile professional dedicated to both creative expression and operational excellence.
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?
The journey to becoming a professional artist has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped my path and growth. One of the initial struggles was gaining recognition and building a portfolio that truly represented my vision and skills.
Although I haven’t faced direct rejection from galleries, the reality is that many galleries are booked so far in advance that getting on their agenda has been challenging. Additionally, galleries and stores often ask for very high commission rates, which can be discouraging for emerging artists.
Balancing the time needed to scale my art business and safeguard the creative process while juggling a full-time career as an interior designer and studying for an executive MBA required a great deal of dedication and perseverance.
Relocating to a new country brought its own set of obstacles. Moving to the United States meant I had to get used to new brands of art supplies, re-strategize the quality and cost of working with these new products, and rebuild my community and social media following from scratch. This transition period was both professionally and personally demanding.
Another significant hurdle was navigating the social and professional landscape in Dallas. Without a background knowledge of the community, I encountered individuals eager to take advantage of someone new to the area. This experience taught me the importance of diligence and caution in building new relationships and partnerships.
Despite these struggles, each obstacle has taught me resilience and adaptability. The long wait times and high commissions at galleries pushed me to explore alternative avenues to showcase and sell my work. Financial challenges honed my resourcefulness and time management skills. Rebuilding my community in a new country enriched my network and brought fresh perspectives to my art.
Looking back, I see that these struggles were integral to my growth as an artist and entrepreneur. They not only tested my dedication but also enriched my creative process and business acumen, ultimately leading to a more profound sense of fulfillment and success in my art business.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ArtsByEvlynn is dedicated to symbolically portraying people’s life stories through art, with a particular focus on themes of mental health and trauma recovery. Each piece is designed to serve as a powerful reminder of the owner’s grit, strength, and resilience, emphasizing that they are survivors, not victims and that they are strong enough to handle anything life throws their way. My art is deeply empowering and personal, meant to inspire and uplift.
I specialize in creating original, custom artworks that reflect my clients’ personal journeys and experiences. By engaging in transparent and heartfelt conversations with my clients about their experiences and my own, I ensure that each piece is deeply meaningful and resonant. I use the five languages I speak to incorporate typical sayings into literal translations, adding depth, layers, and rich symbolism to the artwork.
In addition to fine art portrait paintings, I offer a home decor collection and mixed media art pieces to cater to different budget levels, making art accessible to all.
My core strength lies in my ability to transform personal stories into powerful visual narratives. Each art piece is a collaborative creation, tailored to the client’s unique journey and infused with layers of meaning and symbolism. The use of multiple languages to convey deeper meanings and the transparency in sharing personal stories sets me apart, creating a bond of trust and understanding with our clients.
I take immense pride in my ability to create art that not only beautifies spaces but also empowers and inspires individuals. My reputation for quality, innovation, and emotional depth has earned me a loyal client base and recognition in various prestigious galleries and exhibitions.
I am also excited to share that I am in the works of developing a collaboration with a Dallas ISD high school to host internship positions for three students over the summer. The school’s demographic is predominantly Hispanic children. With my background of partially growing up in Spain, this initiative aims to bring Latino culture into art and home decor during the internship program. I look forward to showing these students a realistic view of the behind-the-scenes of running an art business and inspiring the next generation of artists.
To your readers, I’d like to highlight that ArtsByEvlynn is more than an art business; it’s a platform for storytelling and healing. I provide a comprehensive artistic experience, from initial consultation and concept development to the final installation. My offerings include art consulting services, fine art portrait paintings, home decor collections, and mixed media pieces.
I also have a strong commitment to giving back. Every year, I focus on a charity cause. This year, I’m symbolically portraying the stories of veterans suffering from PTSD on jackets and coats featuring hand-painted and sewn portraits. Part of the proceeds will go to the Adaptive Training Foundation in Texas, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans.
I invite you to explore my portfolio, engage with my creative process, and discover the transformative power of art. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece, a series of artworks, or a deeply personal portrait, I’m here to bring your vision to life and make meaningful art accessible to everyone.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The art industry is poised for significant evolution over the next 5-10 years, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and a greater emphasis on inclusivity and social impact.
One of the biggest shifts will be the increased integration of technology in the creation, distribution, and consumption of art. Digital art and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) have already begun to revolutionize the market, providing artists with new platforms to showcase their work and reach global audiences. This trend is likely to grow, with more artists exploring digital mediums and blockchain technology to protect and sell their work.
There will be a growing demand for customized and personalized art. Consumers are increasingly looking for unique pieces that reflect their personal stories and values, much like the work I do at ArtsByEvlynn. This trend will encourage more artists to engage directly with their clients, creating bespoke pieces that are deeply meaningful and tailored to individual preferences.
Sustainability and ethical practices will become more prominent in the art world. Artists and consumers alike are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their work. There will be a push towards using eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices in art creation and distribution.
The therapeutic aspects of art will gain more recognition and importance. Art therapy and the use of art for mental health and trauma recovery will become more mainstream, highlighting the role of art in promoting well-being and emotional healing. This aligns with my focus at ArtsByEvlynn on creating empowering art that supports mental health and recovery.
The adoption of virtual and augmented reality will enhance the way art is experienced. Virtual galleries and exhibitions will allow people to explore and interact with art in immersive ways, breaking down geographical barriers and making art more accessible to a wider audience.
Art will increasingly be used as a tool for community building and social impact. Collaborative projects and public art initiatives will bring communities together, addressing social issues and fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose.
Overall, the art industry is heading towards a more interconnected, inclusive, and innovative future. With ArtsByEvlynn, I’m excited to be part of this dynamic landscape, continually adapting to new trends and finding ways to make meaningful, impactful art accessible to all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artsbyevlynn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsbyevlynn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtsbyEvlynn/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/evelyne-dieu
Image Credits
MKJ Photography and ArtsByEvlynn
