Meet Bethany Armstrong | Creator of DoodilyDoArt

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethany Armstrong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethany, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first considered selling my art, one of the biggest obstacles to overcome was figuring out where to begin. I’ve always made art and used it as a creative outlet to express myself when words failed me. Moving to Denver in April 2017 presented many new opportunities, and soon after I formed a business relationship with Spectra Art Space in Denver. I learned a lot about the business aspect of marketing myself as an artist from the owner of Spectra, Sadie Young. She made the first steps of my art journey easier than I thought they would be by taking me under her wing and showing me the ropes. I have a steady full-time job that I’ve wanted to maintain, and it was important for me to go at my own pace so as not to overwhelm myself. I found that it was extremely easy to create and order merchandise, like stickers, post cards and business cards on my phone. I even experimented with printing my art on items like mouse pads. There was a lot of trial and error with each part of the process, but I realized that I didn’t need to know how to do everything at once in order to become successful. The more time and energy I spent on my art and building a name for myself, the more I improved. As a result, I became more efficient with my time. Since art has always been a part of my life, the creating aspect has been easy. My biggest focus has been geared towards growing my social media platforms and learning how to effectively market myself. The balance shift I’ve noticed as a growing artist is the amount of energy I put into my business. The more time and energy I spend on marketing my art, the more I profit. As long as I’m learning, growing and enjoying the process of creating, I’ve got the balance that I need.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
DoodilyDoArt was formed not only as a name by which my art is known, but as a way of life. It is my strong belief, and the basis of my creative journey that everyone can make art. So many individuals feel a desire to construct something beautiful or moving, but they often venture no further than the initial thought. If one has the need to create, just do it. Everything around us can be used to produce art, and I don’t limit myself to any one type of medium.

Growing up in an artistic family prompted me to start creating at a very young age. I was able to experiment with many types of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and wire wrapping. I value the relationship between nature and emotion, and I incorporate these aspects into my work. I allow myself to transition from my drawings, to my colorful paintings, to my life-like gem trees. Letting my feelings naturally course through my imagination into my designs allows for a larger spectrum of style and presents more opportunity for experimentation.

It’s not uncommon for me to have several works in progress at any given time. I usually just work on what I’m in the mood for. I especially enjoy making wire-wrapped gem trees, and I consider this my niche in the market. I’ve honed my skills over the past seven years, and I constantly brainstorm new designs to try out. It’s definitely a learn-as-you-go process, but that’s part of the fun of creating.

An important mindset I’ve adopted over time is to not take anything too seriously. That’s not to say that my work isn’t important, but I take joy from going with the flow. Avoiding becoming over-stressed is a key factor in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s not always an easy thing to accomplish, but understanding the ebb and flow to my work load and the other engagements in my life has allowed me to overcome any challenges I’ve faced. The biggest obstacle I’ve had to circumvent is not basing my decisions or thought processes on fear and insecurities. It took a lot of coaxing and encouragement from my peers and loved ones to view my art as something I can market instead of as a hobby.

I’ve learned that it’s necessary to lean on my support network and discuss ideas to gain a different perspective. I take constructive criticism from other members of the Denver artist community who have more experience and success with gaining exposure, having a solid platform and building an online presence. There are many aspects of being a professional artist that I never considered, and learning tips and tricks from others who have already found an efficient method to apply to general aspects of the business helped me to cut out much of the legwork.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love showing friends and family a great time when they come to Colorado. I’ve planned multiple road trips with various stops along the way. A favorite destination I frequent is Glenwood Springs. There are plenty of hotel and AirBNB options in the area at affordable costs, and the hot springs are a perfect way to relax any time of the year. I also like to take scenic drives through the mountains, like Guanella Pass that goes from Georgetown to the Bailey, CO, area. National Parks are also on the itinerary, and CO is home to four great National Parks. A day spent in Denver is never boring, either. The art districts always have some kind of event going on and the music, food and beer scene is exceptional. I base the trip on the interests of the people who come to visit to ensure they fully enjoy the entire experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I credit my success to my friends and family, who have consistently provided the support I needed to come as far as I have. Sadie Young and Kayla Lees, owners of Spectra Art Space in Denver, CO, have provided an endless amount of knowledge and opportunities for me to grow as a professional artist. I have been blessed to be welcomed into the Denver artist community so effortlessly, which has made my journey more meaningful and fulfilling than I ever imagined.

Website: https://www.Etsy.com/shop/DoodilyDoArtLife

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/DoodilyDoArt

Twitter: @DoodilyDoArt

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/DoodilyDoArt