Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda McClellan.
Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Growing up I was always doodling. But when I discovered graphic design in my senior year of high school, it was love at first click! After working in the design field for over ten years at different companies—everything from educational companies to retail shops—I felt unsatisfied creatively and decided to start making artwork on the side. I now sells my landmark-inspired artwork online and at pop-up markets all over California. My artwork and apparel is sold in over 40 stores across the country. What sets my artwork apart is that it’s not just decorative, it’s informative. My designs combines iconic nature landmarks and typographical facts.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey as a small business owner has been fairly smooth. I started small and took small strategic steps along the way. What started as a side hustle and become a full-time job. In 2021, after having my first daughter, I was able to quit my day job to run my business full-time. Being a mom and a small business owner at the same time can sometimes be hard to juggle, but there are some amazing perks. I can design and work on the back end of my business from the comfort of my home, and my work hours are very flexible. This is especially important to me in this season of life, as I want to enjoy my babies being this little, as much as I can, while still putting in the work for my business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My designs are inspired by landmarks. I love creating artwork that is not just decorative, but informative as well. My art collections include landmarks from San Luis Obispo county, Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Mount Whitney. The designs are a combination of iconic nature landmarks and typographical facts. Everything is designed by me and manufactured right where I live in SLO county. I love supporting other small business, so I use local screen printers and print shops for all my manufacturing.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Being is small business owner is crazy, especially when your business revolves around creativity and art. You definitely have to be willing to take risks. I took a risk when I did my very first art show back in 2019, which definitely sparked my passion. And I took another huge risk in 2021 when I quit my day job to pursue this full-time. What’s key is to always keep learning and trying new things. You only grow outside of your comfort zone.
Pricing:
- 8×10 Art Prints: $20
- 11×14 Art Prints: $30
- Apparel: $32-35
- 16X20 Alphabet Posters: $40
- Hanger Frames: $18-23
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandaleedesign.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandalee.design
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandaleegraphicdesign
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaleegraphicdesign/
