Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Houston.
Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My career as an artist began from an unusual place; motherhood. After enduring a difficult season of adjusting to life as a new mom, I found myself in desperate need of a creative outlet. My mom and I decided to take a Brush Lettering workshop “just for fun,” and I was hooked. I went home and practiced as often as I could, watched YouTube videos to further develop my knowledge, and took additional courses to hone my new skills. Along the way, I found myself having so much fun, and just wanting to know more. I began sketching and painting… people started asking me to make things for them… and four years later, I have turned a hobby into a business that is extremely fulfilling and helps provide for my family while allowing me to stay at home with my (now two) kids.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I set out to begin a new career as an artist, I felt like a fraud. I didn’t study art in college — I had a BA in Communication and a Master’s in Leadership — so I was essentially starting a brand new career at 27 years old. I felt like no one would take me seriously as an artist, because it wasn’t always my plan in life, but there was no denying the fact that I had found something I was more passionate about than anything up until this point. So I kept going. It’s now been four years since I began, and it’s been amazing to see how my other jobs prepared me for running my own business. It hasn’t been smooth, by any means, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in the last four years, and I look forward to seeing what another four years will bring.
To the young woman out there just beginning your career journey, don’t be afraid to try new things. I never could have imagined what 1 workshop I attended “just for fun” would mean to my life and family. If something lights a fire inside of you, listen to it.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in calligraphy and watercolor illustration, and I am on a mission to bring back color. I design custom stationery and day-of items for weddings and events, as well as a variety of prints/patterns for companies to sell at a larger scale. I currently have a variety of prints available as removable wallpaper and curtains through Loomwell and Spoonflower and am in the process of adding a few more companies to that list (dream — Target!)
I am proud to say that I always aim beyond where I am currently, and do my best to stretch myself as an artist regularly. I am not afraid to take on things I’ve never done before and am always up for new challenges (case and point – I’m currently working on my first children’s book!)
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I’ve been quite blessed to work in a field where women are the majority. Because of this, I have not encountered any obstacles in my work that were specifically related to being a woman. And thankfully, many creative fields tend toward this advantage!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandahoustondesign.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @amandahoustondesign
Image Credit:
Hannah Garvin, Ellie Koleen
Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.
