Check Out Ashley Randall’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Randall.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always always loved art and design since I was a little girl. I never thought I would ever get to do what I love as a business once I grew up. For the longest time, I just created art for myself or close friends and family. But since the pandemic, having a lot more time on my hands… I decided to create an Instagram account for my art, never expecting it would turn into what it has. With so many supporters turning into wonderful clients who let me do what I love. This journey has led to me illustrating two middle-aged children’s chapter books, with two more in the works, countless commissioned pieces of clients’ loved ones and pets! I even have had the opportunity to create marketing materials for the dental office I work at. My work was also a finalist in the Cooper River Bridge Run Art contest and was auctioned off to the highest bidder! I have made connections with other curators who I have teamed up to put my art on Charleston oyster shells! I have truly loved growing my business and the wonderful connections with great people it has given me. I am excited about what the future holds!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, things have gone smoothly. There are always some struggles with anything worth doing. One of the most important things I have learned is to be patient and communicate really well. Working with so many different people and personalities communication is key in making sure everyone is on the same page and expectations are clear. So everyone ends the project feeling happy and loves the final product.

One other struggle that comes to mind is dealing with your own emotions and rejection. Not everyone is going to like what you put out there. And in a world where popularity and numbers is a big focus, it can be disheartening at times. Comparing yourself to others and wondering why this person is more successful than you can be a really hard thing to combat. Sometimes that gets the better of me but I try to just give my best, do this for me and that gets me in a better mindset.

This struggle may not seem like one really to some but with using my hands in creating so much more so than before, I have started experiencing hand and finger pain. I do my best to take breaks and do some hand exercises. It is quite painful when it acts up. But I try to not let it hinder me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My art business has turned into a little of everything, I am a self-taught artist, designer, and creator. It is my passion and I hope that comes across in my work. I also work part-time in a dental office. That is my other passion. Before the pandemic, I mostly did acrylic paintings on canvas. Since the pandemic I learned digital art and have been able to create so much with this medium. I am the illustrator of the books, “We are Flock” and the sequel “Above and Beyond” written by Steve Aversano, with more books in the works. I create marketing material for the dental office I work at. I help businesses create logos. I created a podcast cover/logo for the popular scuba diving podcast “Into the Deep”. I have made special illustrations for clients of them or their loved ones and even pets! One of my marsh paintings was a finalist in the Cooper River Bridge Run art contest! I was so honored to have been a finalist.
I am most proud of the children’s books and that journey and experience! With the Cooper River Bridge Run contest a close second. But I am also very proud of myself and where I have come in all of this. I have learned how to accomplish these different aspects of my art and creations and am proud of my growth.

Being a self-taught artist/ creator I don’t have the schooling background that some do. My schooling was in the dental field. I believe that sets me apart from others because I had to push through to teach myself how to do to certain things. I am still learning but every one of my clients has loved the work I have done for them and I feel my passion for art and creating special pieces for people shows through in my hard work and final product. I don’t stop until my clients absolutely love it!

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t think luck had much to do with it, to be honest. I think all of the things I have accomplished have been the result of my hard work and determination! Not letting roadblocks stop me. Pushing through them until I figure it out. I’m a firstborn and I think that determination and commitment is built in – I don’t quit. I put myself out there and am not afraid to ask questions or just introduce myself. You never know, the answer may be no, but that’s the worst it could be. Make connections and put yourself out there and you never know what opportunities will present themselves.

Pricing:

• $60 & up Custom Illustrations one per.
• $85 and up Wedding Illustration
• $100 Wedding Invitation w/couple illustration jpeg/PDF
• $50 and up Logo design
• $30 Pet Portrait $35 Home Illustration

Contact Info:

• Email: randallsart1@gmail.com
• Website: https://ashley-randall-art.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyrandallart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyRandallArt
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Flock-Steve-Aversano/dp/1734987804/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=we+are+flock+aversano&qid=1592337177&sprefix=we+are+flock&sr=8-1

Image Credits
Elisabeth Hodge Tori

Anna Brooke