Artist and paintmaker Connie Vartiainen shares how a simple curiosity about making her own paints transformed into Shimmer Drops Paint, a thriving business creating handmade watercolors with mesmerizing shimmer and colour-shift effects. From thirteen years as an art teacher to full-time entrepreneur and mum, Connie opens up about the experimental process, balancing motherhood with business, and staying authentic online.
We explore:
- How discovering watercolour after her first child sparked a creative revolution
- The technical magic of working with automotive pigments in watercolour
- Transitioning from teaching to full-time paint making during COVID
- Her quarterly subscription boxes with exclusive, limited-edition colours
- Why AI shouldn't take away what makes us human
- Building community online without showing your face
Key Quotes:
"I was testing one evening and saying to my husband, 'Oh my God, this is so good. This paint is so good. It's so buttery and smooth.' I was not expecting it to be that good because I thought if it doesn't turn out well, I might just give it to the kids. But I was like, 'Oh no, I'm keeping this as mine.'"
"Just make it exist first and then make it good later. You've got to go through that ugly stage."
Connect with Connie:
Website: shimmerdropspaint.com
Instagram: @shimmerdropspaint
More from Sanchia: artbysanchia.com | Newsletter | @artbysanchia
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