Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Hall
Hi Maggie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember, but was inspired by my dad who was a charcoal artist as well as my sophomore year art teacher, Mr. White, to focus on creating a career with my abilities! I started Kinda Cool Art Shop in 2019 in my friend’s apartment, I had an idea to turn some sketches into stickers and we’ve grown ever since. I’ve gotten the chance to participate in the Mckinney Mural Fest in 2023, paint for the Trains at North Park benefiting the Ronald Mcdonald House of Dallas, As well as start a secondary business called Kinda Cool Markets, where I get the chance to host vendor markets at local breweries and even hosted a beard competition to raise money for the Harbor of Hope foster care agency. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and can’t wait to see where Kinda Cool will be in the future. I owe it all to my family, especially my parents who supported me every step of the way.
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?
It has not always been easy, starting a business and trying to break out in the artist world is an uphill battle and requires determination, hard work, and a village of support behind you. In 2021 I lost my dad to lung cancer, this was by far my hardest struggle so far in my career, I faced months-long artist’s block and found it hard to paint without him, however, I one day realized maybe painting would be the only way through my grief. I painted his cowboy boots, it was comforting. I soon realized boots were something I was familiar with, they were nostalgic to me. It helped me develop my current art style while also getting me through the process of grieving.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an acrylic and digital artist, I focus on western elements with bold color palettes. I try to bring a sense of what it feels like to grow up Texan while bringing a funky bright happy tone to it. I loved growing up here with my family and I hope the people who see my work can feel that.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Take every chance presented to you!! I found most of my big opportunities just by scrolling on social media. No matter how inexperienced or unprofessional you may feel, you never know which opportunity may be the one to give you the break you’ve been hoping for! As for a mentor, I’ve found meeting the people in your community with a common interest in helping one another has worked best for me! The art and small business communities are so welcoming and there will always be someone willing to help you find your way!
Pricing:
- Murals starting at $250
- custom paintings starting at $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kindacool.xyz
- Instagram: @Kindacoolartshop @kindacoolmarkets
- Facebook: Kinda Cool Markets
