Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Collins.
Hi Katie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I had been paintings for several years focusing on portrait painting, especially children when I was asked to paint live at a wedding. My bride had a lot more confidence in me than I did regarding taking on this challenge but after some thought, I decided to go for it and threw myself into it. After a rather nerve-racking time I realized that once I got past the fear, I think I would really love to do more of this. So, I began my journey researching all that is involved in Live Event Painting. I connected with some amazing local networking groups to get connected to the wedding industry and the rest is history. I updated my website and got to work. Before long I was getting connections and receiving calls and emails from Brides looking to book my services and so I began.
Although I am still pretty new at Live Event Painting my experience as an artist has definitely paid off and since I was always quite a fast painter, I have found this to be especially helpful.
I love the whole experience of meeting couples and planning their special painting making sure it includes their vision of their day. Of course, my favorite part is seeing their faces when they see their final painting.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey as an artist has not always been smooth, finding my way and keeping focused on my goals can sometimes be challenging with daily distractions, but keeping a success journal has really helped me realize how much I have achieved in a short period of time and keeps away negative thoughts that creep in. I am still not where I want to be, but I am getting busier all the time which is so encouraging.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Although I specialize in Live Wedding and Event Painting, I still receive commissions on a wide range of subjects. I am very flexible as an artist and I will have a go at anything, I have painted traditional paintings and abstract, in oil and acrylic, but along with painting live weddings, my first love is painting portraiture and children on the beach. I love to capture special moments in time. I love to work with people and being a pleaser, I put my heart and soul into every piece and every event. I always want to do the absolute best work I can from beginning to end, I simply cannot half do anything.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The largest part of my business is Live Wedding and Event painting, which I love, it has given me a social side to working as an artist including my love for working with people. I couldn’t be happier to be doing what I love and to be able to paint one of the most wonderful days of someone’s life and preserving that moment on a canvas to last a lifetime is a true gift. I donate 10% of all proceeds to charities listed on my website.
Pricing:
- Live Weddings and Events start at $1500
- My largest package goes up to $5000 which also includes a print of your painting and thank you cards with your painting printed on the front.
- Custom packages available
Contact Info:
- Website: katiecollinspaintings.com
- Instagram: @katiecollinspaintings
- Facebook: Katiecollinspaintings
Image Credits
Steven Graffham Photography
Lazzat Photography
Cona Studios
