Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda McClellan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up as a millennial, my childhood involved a desktop computer, AOL instant messenger, and online gaming. My first encounter with graphic design happened as an adolescent before I even knew what to call it. I spent way too much time on the computer in Microsoft Word (of all things!) creating documents. I wasted countless hours reorganizing words and inserting clip art to create—what I guess you would call—flyers. I remember building a chore chart for myself and feeling so proud of it. I proudly stuck it to our fridge with a magnet and showed my mom my creation. Funny enough I was never assigned chores as a child and most definitely did not follow through on said chore chart.
The first time I remember hearing the term ‘graphic design’ was in high school. In my senior year of high school, I had the option of having a short day or signing up for an extra elective. I decided to take a graphic design class. My teacher’s name was Mr. Harrell and he is a memorable character. I fell into a comfortable grove in that class. For the first time ever, I was a natural at something and I remember feeling so happy and feeling proud that I found something I was naturally good at.
Fast forward a decade and I’ve now been a professional graphic designer for 12 years. I’ve worked for a phone book company, a high-end clothing company, and an educational company, to name a few. But in May of 2019, I was invited to sell at a small craft show at a local coffee shop by my sister-in-law. I showed up with only two prints of my own and some of my husband’s art. Thank god for that show. It kickstarted my career. After that, I decided to pursue my own business, and the side hustle life began. For each show after that, I had one or two new designs. I started reaching out to local stores and asking if they wanted to sell my art collection. My art is now being sold in 10 stores across San Luis Obispo County and I’ve sold at over 15 shows this year! It has been a whirlwind and I have loved every second of it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a hardcore introvert, the main struggle has been putting myself out there. That and surviving art shows. Engaging with customers, carrying on conversations, being on my feet all day, sometimes in hot weather or annoying wind, drains absolutely everything out of me. I still have my 9-5 job. So, I am building up my own business on the side. After an 8-hour workday, on the weekends, etc. It’s a lot of time and energy but it is so worth it.
Growing a business has honestly forced me to grow as a person. It’s a challenge (but a good one) to put myself out there more. I go to Chamber mixers, I go to business seminars, I sign up for shows that sound scary, I even agreed to speak to a college class about my art subject, The Nine Sisters. Growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone. So the most challenging part of this journey has most definitely been pushing myself. Do more, dream bigger.
We’d love to hear more about your artwork.
My art collection features the Nine Sisters, or ‘The Morros’, of San Luis Obispo County. The Nine Sisters are a chain of nine volcanic mountains and hills that run between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. I have a very niche audience. People that love SLO and people that love hiking.
My style is modern and simplistic with a touch of texture. I like clean lines. My new collection showcases the iconic silhouette shapes of these mountains and are filled in with facts about each landmark. I tried to imitate the look of block printing with this series.
I think I’m weirdly obsessed with the mountains in SLO county because I grew up in the flattest place you can imagine, the central valley of California. Growing up, I didn’t realize what was missing. Hills! The best part of growing up in the valley was the Sierra Nevada Mountain range always in the backdrop. No matter where I was or what I was doing, when I would notice the mountains in the backdrop my heart would swell. They were my anchor. I think that is why I became so obsessed with the Nine Sisters. And all the hills and mountains in the San Luis Obispo area.
How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc?
To me, success is continuous growth. Never stop learning. Take that photography class, go to that art bar, say yes to speaking in front of a crowd, take on that big, scary freelance job. Just say yes.
It is important to recognize the small wins. Celebrate your first show you don’t feel absolutely drained after. Celebrate your first $1,000 profit, your $10,000 profit. Celebrate your courage for saying yes to something you never imagined yourself doing.
A big part of growing your business is helping others along the way. Like Robert Ingersoll said, “We rise by lifting others.” Share your knowledge. Cheer for those in your field. Building that sense of the community shows that you are in it for the long haul and that you have the right mindset and a desire to not only grow your own business but to grow a community.
Pricing:
- Art Prints – 8″ x 10″: $20
- Art Prints – 11″ x 14″: $30
- Art Posters – 16″ x 20″: $40
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandalee.info
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @amandaleegraphicdesign
- Facebook: @amandaleegraphicdesign
- Twitter: @amandaleegd
Image Credit:
Searrow Photography (Megan Haskins)
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