Today we’d like to introduce you to Debi Hammond.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Debi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there. I was born creative with a bright imagination and a spark in my heart! Drawing, Painting and Writing has always been like crisp, clean air for me. I began my career as a Freelance Artist in 1983,
I started with cartooning, logo design and sign painting-I took any art job I could find. I found greeting card and T-shirt design, book illustration, lettering and painting. I drew house plans and maps, I learned computer design and I began teaching art to kids. I started my first graphic design business in 1993 in Northern California.
My husband Rob and I moved from the mountains in California to Texas at the end of last year to be close to family and we both wonder why we waited so long. We found home in Texas and I can’t wait to share Creating Happy with everyone here!
Has it been a smooth road? My road has been anything but smooth and also very rewarding! I have worked through some dark patches and I found my light. I am grateful for the lessons and the contrast that teaches me to continue to follow my heart. I apply what I learn to smooth out my road as I continue to pursue my dreams.
Struggles add to the colors in my story and are similar I am sure, to anyone’s who has been embarking on a creative career. I didn’t have anyone in front of me to pave my way and it was way before Google, so I rolled up my sleeves to dig in and learn. I haven’t had the commercial success I have hoped for but I have always known creating is what I am meant to do. I have put my pencil down a few times; once when our kids were young and they’d want to play when I was in my studio. The moment I stopped and realized our kids would be grown in a blink was divine intervention, so I boxed up my business until after their graduation. I began again but the market had changed so I dug in again (this time with the help of Google and YouTube!). Again, and another again, success was elusive, so I took jobs in completely different fields to make ends meet, When I couldn’t use my time to create, I would jot down a sketch or an idea that came to mind and put them in a box to get to later. I used to feel that time for creating was slipping away but I am learning to see these moments as lessons that help me grow as the artist who will authentically be Creating Happy for you and for me.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Creating Happy story. Tell us more about the business. Creating Happy is a culmination of the designs, products and practices that are Creating Happy in my life and I hope will in yours! When you go to my website, you will find- Spirited Artwork, Books, Products & Programs Created by Heart to Promote and Inspire Everlasting Happiness.
I create from heartfelt imagination. I design Watercolor, Pen and Pencil artwork for prints and products. I write and illustrate and recently published my first children’s book, The Blanket, A Story of Healing with Balboa Press. I develop and create products that you can use to create your own happy and I teach art to kids, ages 6 – 12 to give them confidence to create their way.
I am known for my whimsical designs, my cheerful approach to life, my creativity and doing what I can to help others. I am a proud part of a growing community of entrepreneurs who make a positive difference through kindness and conscious living practices.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade? Creating Happy is organic in nature and will flow with the current to fit where needed. I will do what I can in the coming years to create designs, simple products and programs that will help people create their own happiness. I will continue to teach children to express themselves confidently through art and design.
I think people are getting away from buying and having ‘things’ to wanting to learn, experience and make memories. Everyone wants to be happy and happy is different for everyone. I will do my part to help with Creating Happy as I believe we are all here to make a difference and that we are all connected by that spark in our heart!
Thank You for Creating Happy with me!
Pricing:
- Prints- $5. -$10.
- Books- $5. – $15.
- Products- $1. -$5.
- Art Lessons for Kids- In-Home, $20. hr, For group rates, contact Debi
Contact Info:
- Website: http://Creatinghappy.net
- Email: debi@creatinghappy.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debcreatinghappy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreatingHappyLight/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebCreating
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
