Abbey Holden
Abbey Holden
Painter / Textile Designer / Muralist / Illustrator
Minneapolis, MN
www.abbeyholden.com
instagram @abbeyholdenstudio
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a painter, textile designer, muralist and illustrator. ”
I specialize in commissioned oil landscape paintings, hand painted textiles designs and colorful murals. Basically anything that requires a paintbrush!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’ve known I wanted this career path since I was little so I’ve steadily worked my whole life towards the goal of owning and operating a business as a painter. It took extra art classes as a kid, studying art in college, working professionally as a textile designer then making the leap towards my own business where I get to do it all!
How do you stand out in your field?
My field is fairly limited as there aren't many full-time traditional oil painters, BUT, I do emphasize my favorite part of my work - the creative process. I’m fascinated by the act of creating and making and try to highlight that as much as possible.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m currently working on broadening my painting style - something mural work does well! Murals stretch my style, it’s like working with a giant canvas. They never cease to take me outside my comfort zone and provide an awesome challenge.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
As a creative, I find myself drawn to so many styles and aesthetics that I need to consistently reign myself in. Sticking to what feels the most “me” is how I narrow it down. I also like knowing my general market and try to make sure my style resonates with them as most of my work is for the home. Whether it be a painting hung on a wall, fabric upholstered on a chair, wallpaper throughout a house or a mural - my style needs to sit well within a home. I want to create things that bring a calm sense of peace to a space. My work needs to encompass all of the above to really work. I’m most proud of my large oil landscapes - especially ones lighter in tone. I feel those are very livable within many homes and resonate with my own taste as well.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Although not trained in the field, Interior Design makes the most sense. My current work encompasses many parts of the home already, adding Interior Design to that would be a way to really take on the full scope of a home.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The whole “flow state” creatives have that can not, for the life of me, be forced. I’ve tried to force it and it never works! Painting full time is amazing, but sometimes deadlines get in the way of my creative process. I’m trying to work those “blah” periods into my scheduling currently but it’s a relatively unpredictable thing.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I’d hire a manager to control my project schedule, give me realistic deadlines and keep me on track! Possibly have them sort through emails as well…
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I used to be ashamed to tell people I was a “Painter” full time. I used to find round-about ways so it sounded more legitimate. I remember I used to say I, “work with Interior Designers” which I felt was a more recognizable job title. I wish I knew then how cool it is to be working as a Painter and how rare that is. Now I recognize I’ve been working my whole life to have this job title and I say it proudly.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Pricing! That was something I really struggled to figure out in the beginning - it felt like I was basically figuring out what I was worth. I tied a lot of emotions up into pricing so I’d ask for insight on how to combat that and price things both realistically and beneficially.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m looking to work with more interior designers nationwide currently that will require me to stretch my style for geographic reasons. I’d also love to work with more hotels and commercial spaces. I always aim to communicate a serene feeling through my work and I believe hotels and commercial spaces are often working to do the same.. As a lofty personal goal, I’d love to find new ways to make my work current and up to speed with what’s currently in style. Oil paintings are very old school!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My Ideal client is someone who’s goals align with mine. Someone who recognizes that art isn’t a necessary purchase but finds the difference it makes in a space worthy. I love someone who gets excited about the project while also respecting my creative decisions. My ideal job would involve large canvases, like full room size canvases, maybe off site in some warm coastal location. I’d see the landscape during the day and paint what I’ve seen at night. My ideal collaboration would be with a photographer. I’d love to somehow combine photos and paint on a canvas.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My Prices vary upon project and medium. Murals hover around $6k while paintings range from $1k-$10k for size. Textile designs are usually hourly as they’re freelance.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
You can email me at abbeyholden@gmail.com - pumped to hear from you!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Exercise and music. Moving stagnant energy!
This member profile was originally published in March 2020.