Watercolor Wildlife & Nature Art - Joy Neasley Studios

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joy Neasley, Owner of Joy Neasley Studios, located in Nashville, TN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I hand paint watercolor wildlife and nature. My favorite is painting local wildlife, but I also enjoy painting other animal and nature subjects, as well as a few pets.

Tell us about yourself

In 2013 I experienced two ischemic strokes and needed to change careers. In the rehabilitation process from the strokes, I learned how to use watercolor and combined it with my love for birdwatching, Wildlife, and nature.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The painting pictured, “Sea Waltz,” is of the West Africa Sea Nettle from my visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. It has won an award from the Tennessee Watercolor Society and has also traveled in its traveling exhibit in 2022.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The day-to-day running of a business is hard because it does not come naturally as art does. I must schedule each day to make sure I do not fall behind in the business side of my artwork.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. To run a business with your artwork, I recommend learning and practicing a skill in your chosen medium first. It will relieve the pressure of your work having to be perfect.
2. Second, take your time learning how to run the business side of things. There are many free and paid online classes and tutorials but stay away from the ones that promise fast results. They usually do not work.
3. Thirdly, practice your art every day and schedule the time to spend on the business side of it. Otherwise, you will fall behind in one of these areas, and frustration will set in.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.joyneasley.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyneasleystudios/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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