Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Wise
Christina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey there, I’m Christina Wise, the brain and brush behind Wise Market LLC Custom Painting!
In retirement I traded in my CFO’s calculator for a set of paintbrushes, dusting off artistic talents that had been snoozing for decades. Next, I saddled up for my lifelong dream of horseback riding lessons, which spurred the idea of buying a horse for regular jaunts without denting my nest egg. Pondering if my paintings could fund a four-legged friend and after years of gifting custom-painted creations to family and friends, I decided to share my talent with the world (my art has gone as far as Australia). I turned to social media to showcase my art and feel the pulse of potential patrons. The response was overwhelming, with requests to create unique cheer boards for our local cheerleaders’ cheer boxes. Then came the request for personalized/custom sports balls, bibles, signage, and even camping trunks.
Riding on this wave, I launched Wise Market LLC Custom Painting, a business aimed at funding the rescue and care of a horse, and maybe even a herd if things go well. My dream of owning and caring for a horse sparked the journey, and each custom order helps move me one step closer to making that dream a reality. While I’m not quite ready to gallop off and rescue a horse, I’m content to focus on growing my brand, fan base, and creative muses for now.
Located in the heart of Trophy Club, Texas, Wise Market LLC is a one-woman show where every piece is crafted with the recipient in mind.
My life is a whirlwind of activity beyond art and horseback riding: My husband Jim, my partner in crime and staunch supporter of my every whim has been by my side and on this ride for 30 years; three incredible daughters; a son-in-law; two adorable grandchildren; a couple of grand cats; a grand dog; and our own fur boss, Indi, who supervises my painting daily. Jim and I enjoy traveling whether it be in an RV in the US or via plane around the globe but our favorite place to go is Nashville to visit the grandbabies.
Now, my mission? Paint up a storm to pamper a horse and make a splash in your space with bespoke banners, canvases, and more! Let’s splash some color into your world!
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?
Wise Market LLC is in its infancy, much like a young foal. We’ve been engaged in active marketing for three months and are thrilled about the growing following and positive comments and reviews we have received. The most challenging aspect so far has been widely promoting our product and brand. Currently, we are developing our website, a project spearheaded by our amazing middle daughter who lives and works in Dublin, Ireland.
I think a lot of Artists are challenged by pricing and justifying the value of their work. What may seem like a bargain to one might be deemed expensive by another. While my price point is lower than some competitors, my work is not inexpensive. The raw materials themselves are not costly, but the extensive time and meticulous detail I invest in each piece elevate the price.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With a background in leading finance and operational organizations (left brain) it probably sounds funny that I have a passion for art (right brain). I’m a self taught Artist. I see something I like and I work to recreate it as closely as possible to the original. I never feel good about the first version of something but that leads to a second and third that are closer to the original inspiration. That process has made me better and helped me gain confidence to try to create on my own.
Today I specialize in custom painting. Whether it’s on canvas, paper, sporting balls, or a variety of other products I enjoy making the individual feel seen and accomplished. High School athletes especially fawn over a personalized ball that represents their feats on the field and school spirit but also shows their personality too in color and content (think disco balls, bows, and cowboy boots). College students love decorating their room with a custom canvas emblazoned with their school spirit, name, mascot, sorority/fraternity, scripture and personality in bright vibrant colors. And don’t get me started with cheerleaders…….they bring so many ideas to their cheer boxes and we work together to bring them to life (the challenging part there is the color limitation imposed by the coaches, a challenge I have mastered!).
I’m able to provide a digital image ahead of painting to iterate the design with my clients. Changing fonts, colors, and content along the way until we land on a final design for me to paint. I will provide photos and color swatches along the painting journey to ensure I’m staying on track with the design and colors they had envisioned as well.
What matters most to you? Why?
With respect to what matters most to me, my faith and family are at the top of my priority list.
When it comes to my clients though, what matters most to me is that they are happy with the final product. That they feel I’ve represented them in a way that honors them. That they feel I’ve listened and captured their thoughts in a final product in the way they hoped for and that the final product creates a lasting memory of the place and time it represents.
Pricing:
- Banners are $7 per square foot with a nine square foot minimum
- Baseballs and Softballs are $45
- Volley/Foot/Basket/and Soccer balls range from $120-$150
- Custom Canvases and signage are size dependent: 16×20 is $150; 24×30 is $255 and goes up from there
- Have something else you want painted? Call me for a quote!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wisemarketllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisemarketllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561947941521
Image Credits
Five ball photo and photo of me: Forevermore Photography
Football Player Photo: Kevin Gaddis Jr
