Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Brandley.
Hi Clarissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve grown up with an interest in art and business. Even as an elementary school-aged kid I was always starting new little businesses and selling handmade products and doodles to my classmates. In my early teens, I started a number of web-based businesses, selling sunglasses, animal portraits, party supplies, and greeting cards.
I graduated high school and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints during the pandemic, during which I used my skills as an artist extensively. From speed paint videos promoting Christ’s teachings to drawing small doodles over Zoom to help children understand the principles, I was trying to explain.
Upon coming home I was given an opportunity to start my first serious business, and I’ve been working hard on that for this past year and a half. I’ve faced a lot of opposition, from people in my social circles actively trying to dissuade me from entrepreneurship in favor of a more “steady” career, and my own self-doubt convincing me I’ll never be able to create something good enough for people to want to buy.
Part of me is still convinced this may all be a pipe dream and I’m just kidding myself. The other part of me though is thrilled with the progress I’ve been making. I’ve painted a mural in his kids’ outdoor playhouse, launched my new website ClarissasChaos.com, and taught private art lessons where I’ve watched my students grow in skill and confidence.
On my website, I am planning to offer prints of my art for sale, and custom portrait commissions as well. I have ideas for yet another business in the Dungeons and Dragons genre and plan to paint custom character sheets for campaigns. All in all, I am so excited to see the blessings that have come, and I have so many ideas to implement in the future that I just can’t wait to create.
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?
My biggest roadblock has always been myself. I struggle a lot with anxiety and general mental health issues, and the distortion of view those bring. On good days I am full of hope and energy for my business, and on bad days I wonder if my dream will ever become a reality and if I’m just kidding myself. On those days there seem to be a million reasons why I can’t ever succeed, and the guilt that comes from failure is nearly immobilizing. My key is to keep moving forward anyways, no matter how I feel, so that when good days come I can be proud of myself and recognize the progress I’ve made.
I am so grateful to have a wonderfully supportive family and friend group who cheer me on, and I’m glad for this chance I have to pour everything into this venture because there has never been a backup plan for me. It’s this or bust. So I’m not going down without a fight!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a freelance artist and work in many mediums. I love working with acrylic, oil, watercolor, India Ink, digital painting, pencil sketches, etc. I also do graphic design work such as logos and web design. I edit videos, create stickers, teach art lessons, and design characters.
I paint murals, books, portraits, game sheets, and play posters, among other things. Pretty much anything 2d art related is typically under my umbrella. Despite my art spanning many categories, my distinctive style and unique flair unify my art as a whole, and I always include something out of the ordinary in everything I do.
Without having a niche, it’s hard to find consistent clientele. So I am turning my attention to an online store filled with products, soon I’ll be stocked with stickers, posters, printables, and character sheets. I will still take on projects by request though, after all, I’d never pass up another opportunity to do a book cover or a local mural!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Contact me by email at clarissaschaos@gmail.com with project requests, or visit my website ClarissasChaos.com to find my new products. I also have an instagram where I plan to promote more of my work @Clarissas_chaos.
Pricing:
- Average Portrait (no background 1 subject) $40, additional subjects are $10 each
- Portrait (with background, 1 subject) $70 + $10 for each additional subject
- Average Mural (local, indoors) $3,000
- Mural (non-local) $3,500 + travel and boarding fees
- Average Custom Project, $30.00 an hour unless otherwise agreed upon
Contact Info:
- Website: clarissaschaos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissas_chaos/
