Meet Jaclyn Brada | Illustrator & Painter

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

Hi Jaclyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had jobs where I’m busting my butt to help someone else’s business become successful. I figured if I’m so used to working hard for other people why shouldn’t I redirect that energy towards my own dream. I find it so much easier to work hard when it’s for my business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I specialize in illustartions of animals, custom pet portraits, and spooky, Halloween themed art. I’ve always loved drawing animals. To me they’re just more fun than drawing people. Although I do take the occasional human portrait request. I love using bright colors and different materials such as watercolors and pastels. I started doing pet portraits about 4 years ago. It’s always good to have a niche as a fine artist. It helps set you apart from the rest. It definitely wasn’t eay deciding to focus more on making art. I had actually stopped drawing on a consistant basis for a few years. I was married to someone who didn’t support my need to be creative. Everything was about making as much money posssible even if I was miserable at my job. I knew something was missing in my life so I started making art again. Now I know that it’s a part of who I am and I always feel happier when I’m creating something. My business isn’t where I’d like it to be just yet, but that’s ok. It about the journey, constantly learnig and growing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Does it count if we go to the mountains lol? I think that’s one of the best things about living in the metro area is the fact you can get up to the mountains so quickly. Mountain towns are great because they have their own quirks and different types of people. I love a good dive bar tucked away in a small town. You can also find a lot of homemade and artisn goods in places like that. Small towns thrive on small businesses which I love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents have been supportive from day one. My mom always signed me up for art classes outside of school and I’m pretty sure most of the art their house are pieces I created. And of course my friends, sister, and fiance Justin who created my website and never stops encouraging me.

Website: https://fairyslipperstudio.com/

Instagram: @fairy_slipper_studio