What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
Honestly, my favorite moments have been connecting with people all over the world. I'll get a message or a comment on Instagram from someone who just found me and loves my style and my teaching, and they'll say hi from Australia, or Bulgaria, or some other amazing place I've never been. It's so cool to see how art can connect us no matter where we live, and how many people of all ages still want to create.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
Yes! I've loved creating art since I was a kid. I always had access to art supplies so I could create whenever inspiration struck!
How did you get started in your art / business?
It started when I was a kid. I'd pull out whatever I wanted from my art cupboard and make stuff. I went to school to become an art teacher, and after teaching elementary art, I realized I didn't just want to teach kids at one school. I wanted to teach people of all ages, everywhere. So after teaching for five years in public schools right out of college, I turned my own passion for art making into a full-time business, which took me out of the classroom and into workshops all over the Twin Cities, and even online to people around the world.
Is this a full-time business for you?
Yes, it's been full-time for just over two years. I started after five years of teaching elementary art.
Why did you start working in this field?
Because it brings me energy and joy. I love seeing people's reactions when they get to make something new with their own hands. That's what's kept me motivated the whole way through.
What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
It grew naturally. Art making started as a hobby that paid for itself, then turned into a business, then into a full-time job that took me from the classroom into workshops all over the Twin Cities and, eventually, online to students around the world. I was looking for more flexibility in my life and creative practice. Running my own art business has done just that and I wouldn’t change a thing.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your art/business?
I went to school to become an art teacher and used my license for five years after graduation, so I entered my business with real classroom teaching experience having been trained as a professional educator. That's exactly what shaped how I teach watercolor now: step-by-step, approachable, and built for people who've never picked up a paintbrush.
What is your favorite item that you sell?
My watercolor workbooks. I think they're the best way for anyone to discover watercolor. They take away the fear of the blank page by giving you video tutorials and a physical surface to paint on with a pre-drawn image, so it's as accessible as possible. That's exactly what I want for people.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
Right now I'm working on new workbooks. I'm hoping to have my second Minnesota-themed workbook, the Uffda Watercolor Workbook, ready in time for the Gift & Art Expo. I've got a few more in production too, and I'm also working on expanding my kids' offerings, paint books made just for our youngest artists.
What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
A little bit of everything! I'll have prints in lots of sizes featuring local icons and cute scenes, greeting cards that pair a pun with a piece of art (they'll make you giggle!), stickers made from my hand-painted watercolors, my watercolor workbooks and kits, my I Can Paint books, and my Minnesota coloring book. Basically, art to love and art to learn from, all in one booth.
www.alyssawhetstoneart.com
Instagram: @alyssawhetstoneart
YouTube: @alyssawhetstoneart
