The Journal

Brushstrokes and Bandwidth
From landlines to TikTok, a personal look at embracing technology, building an art business, and staying grounded in gratitude, creativity, and authenticity along the way. Read more...
From Natural Wonders to Dancing Skunks - Julie Jeanne Art
From Natural Wonders to Dancing Skunks
Do you ever laugh at your own life, or your own art?  I share how my work evolved from traditional florals and northern lights into whimsical, joy-filled creations. A reflection... Read more...
Have you ever felt deflated?
Running a small business can be both exhilerating and exhausting. So much to do when it comes to fulfilling orders, creating product, photographing the product, uploading and editing, tracking and storing inventory, systems, emails, shipping, posting on social media, going live - and so much more! The rush of seeing a new order coming in makes it all worth while however, not all days bring orders. It is on those days one questions whether they are doing the right thing. If they should take a step back and do something... Read more...
Technology- Friend or Foe?
A behind-the-scenes look at life as a full-time artist- navigating website challenges, growing a creative business, building the Joyful Portal mail club, and sharing the real ups and downs of art, social media, and self-employment. #fulltimeartistjourney #independentartistblog #lifeasanartist #artistbehindthescenes Read more...
Reflecting on the first month since my launch
A behind-the-scenes look at my first month as an independent artist, launching my art website, navigating print-on-demand orders, building The Joyful Portal mail club, and learning to share (and ship) my work around the world. Read more...
Week one
A week since launching, an artist shares her thoughts on how everything has gone thus far; the products launched, the feedback, the surprise orders.  Read more...
The Moment Everything Changed: Why I Faced my Fears - Julie Jeanne Art
The Moment Everything Changed: Why I Faced my Fears
The story of how a single commissioned piece changed everything - and why I left two decades in corporate to become a full-time artist. After nearly two years on a... Read more...