For Raina Andres of Happy Desk Art, painting is her happy place
Get 20% off everything in the Happy Desk Art store on MakerPlace, 12/9 through 12/23
It’s hard to nail down one single style in which artist and designer Raina Andres specializes––from bold, acrylics paintings and dreamy pastel watercolors she spans an artistic range.
“I have been painting and drawing since I was old enough to hold a paintbrush,” says Raina. “I love all things beautiful, light and whimsical.”
And she makes the most of her talents: in addition to selling original paintings and postcards, prints of her work, and even her own take on the classic “paint by numbers” kits on MakerPlace, she also hosts online art classes and offers How-to instructions for DIY art projects. Raina takes full advantage of MakerPlace’s unique platform that allows makers to sell handmade products, host classes and offer free how-to's.
It’s the perfect match: The San Antonio, Texas, based freelance artist and designer, who also writes and illustrates children's books, is passionate about connecting with other people through her art and designs. Classes and How-to's, especially, make wonderful activities for families and friends looking for things to do together.
Here, Raina shares the secrets to her creative inspiration, offers tips for first time sellers, and explains why she’s so passionate about connecting with people through art.
Raina’s set of four watercolor floral prints elevate affordable artwork
What is the story behind your store name?
I named my store Happy Desk Art because I started off by creating miniature pet portraits for friends and family. They were small –– about 3 x 3 inches –– with tiny easels. These tiny portraits were bringing people so much joy that I created the name of my store from the happiness that I was crafting for others.
Why Painting? What drives you to create what you do?
I love to create beautiful artwork with a touch of humor that brings happiness and puts a smile on people's faces.
What is your creative process? What gets you in the "creative zone"?
My creative process usually starts with taking a walk around the park or working in my garden. I love flowers so you will see a lot of floral designs in my artwork. Being in nature inspires me, so when I am feeling uninspired I step outside and enjoy the fresh air.
What's your must-have while working on your products?
When I'm working on products I have to have some kind of background noise either a reality TV show or soft classical music playing.
What tips do you have for fellow sellers to get the most out of MakerPlace and selling handmade goods online?
My tips for other sellers struggling to get their first sale would be to be patient, the first sale will come. Make sure your descriptions are detailed and that you have enough photos to represent your products and classes.
Send an original work of your own with instructions on how to paint these holiday postcards, available on in the Happy Desk Art store.
What do you love about MakerPlace and why are you excited about this platform?
One of the things I love about MakerPlace is that it offers the ability for sellers to create virtual classes and How-to's. I personally have been able to connect with people through the MakerPlace platform with my painting classes.
Get 20% off everything in the Happy Desk Art store on MakerPlace, 12/9 through 12/23
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