Balancing Creativity and Business: Insights from Artist Shelby Hamilton

As a professional custom picture framer and host of the Inside the Frame podcast, I love talking with other creative entrepreneurs about their journeys. In this episode, I enjoyed chatting with Shelby Hamilton, a talented artist in Charleston, South Carolina.  Shelby's story is one that many artists can relate to - she started unsure if art could be a full-time career but eventually took the leap to pursue her passion. We dove into Shelby's background studying graphic design and studio art at the University of Georgia and how that education shaped her artistic style today. I was fascinated to learn about her process for commissions versus personal work and how she balances the business side with her creative flow.  As a framer myself, I especially enjoyed hearing Shelby's thoughts on framing her own pieces and working with local framers. Her enthusiasm for trying new mediums and techniques was inspiring. Key Takeaways Shelby studied graphic design in college, which gave her a foundation in color theory and composition that informs her art today. She took the leap to pursue art full-time in 2019, overcoming self-doubt and skepticism from others. Shelby enjoys working in various mediums and subjects, from detailed animal portraits to loose, abstract pieces. For commissions, she has a structured process to gather client input and provide progress updates. She recommends artists trust their framer's expertise but also provide input on their vision for the finished piece. It was a joy to chat with Shelby about her artistic journey and business. Her story is a great reminder that with passion and perseverance, we can turn our creative dreams into reality. I hope her insights inspire other artists and entrepreneurs to pursue their goals. About Shelby Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Shelby grew up loving art. She spent years of her childhood coming to Charleston, South Carolina, where she was exposed to a vast range of fine artists from a young age. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career as an artist, She graduated from the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art with a BFA in Graphic Design. While attending, she fell in love with various artistic techniques and decided to move to Charleston, where her passion for art began. She became the Graphic Designer for an international makeup brand while working nights and weekends on commissioned pieces. Shelby began her career as a full-time artist in 2019. She showcases various mediums and artistic styles throughout her work while drawing inspiration from her love of design, color, texture, shadow, and light.  Resources Website Instagram