Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Flynn.
Hi Colleen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have been an artist my entire life but wasn’t able to pursue it as much as I would like to until the pandemic. When everything began shutting down, I picked up my brushes and palette knives and started building a body of work. Once I felt I had a clear voice in my work, I began marketing myself and navigating the wild path of starting a small business. It was crazy and difficult and challenging to learn all that I didn’t know about the art world and the business world on top of it. I took a lot of wrong turns and met some wonderful mentors and some deceiving gallery owners, but once you get into it, you just have to keep your head down and keep moving forward. Then, a wonderful artist friend invited me to the Dana Point Art Fest, and I was reluctant because I didn’t have much in the way of a pop-up or display setup. But I figured it out, and I sold 5 originals in a 1-day show! I then took my makeshift setup and started selling on the Pier in Huntington Beach and that is my primary sales channel to this day. I also sell on Etsy, and I have a website where I sell floral, coastal, and abstract home decor collections that I have patterned off of my own paintings. I absolutely love designing and can see this as another scalable sales channel. Lastly, along with 3 other amazing artists, we are opening a gallery in Mission Viejo in May. 2024 is going to be a huge year; I truly believe that!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle has been with galleries. I honestly thought getting my work in a gallery was the finish line. That is all an artist has to do, and the galleries will sell you, but that is not the case in today’s market. Marketing yourself is not only necessary, it is essential. Also, learning about all the ways in which an artist can thrive takes a learning curve, so you have to be willing to sit down and put in the work away from the studio. Most artists want to create and then hand it off for someone to sell for them; I am certainly no different. Taking control of your career is as addictive as the art supplies we all covet. Once you get in, there is a great big world of opportunity.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am probably best known for my coastal collections; I have always lived near the water, and the beach is truly my happy place. I began painting the beaches of SoCal with no one on them, Venice, Santa Monica, Hermosa, Avila and all the way to San Clemente. These pieces all sold quickly (once I learned about the Art Festivals), and I went on to create more. I paint primarily with a palette knife, so my style is very abstract although I do usually add a point of realism. Since I have been learning pattern design, more of my Abstract and Floral works are starting to do well.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am thrilled to be showing in San Diego at the Mission Fed Art Walk in Little Italy at the end of April. Come by and say Hi! Also, please visit our website and sign up for our newsletter so you can be notified when new and exciting products are available, as well as when the gallery is opening and what events are happening!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbyflynn.online
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyflynnonline/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbyFlynn
- Other: https://artbyflynnonline.etsy.com
