Meet the creative force behind Painting4Real, a business born from a lifelong love of art and a mission to make creativity accessible to everyone. Growing up in the industrial town of Munster, Indiana – just a stone’s throw from the cultural richness of Chicago – the artist behind Painting4Real found inspiration in an unexpected blend of grit and beauty. Alongside her sister Melissa, she launched a venture that brings art into people’s homes through custom-designed painting kits and guided video tutorials. Learn how her early passion for drawing, classical training, and commitment to empowering others shaped her path and how making art joyful, stress-free, and approachable remains at the heart of everything she does.
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Tell us a little about yourself and your story.
I grew up in Munster, Indiana, right outside of Chicago. It’s the part of Indiana with more smoke stacks than cornfields. Despite the industrial setting, I had access to the vibrant city life of Chicago, which gave me a taste of diverse cultures and experiences. This unique mix of industrial and urban influences shaped my perspective and fueled my creativity.
Together with my sister Melissa, we launched Time for Art. Our business offers custom-designed painting kits, called Painting4Real kits, that come with step-by-step video tutorials by me, a BFA artist. Our goal is to enable anyone to create beautiful wall art without formal training. We believe that art doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be beautiful, and creating art should be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. This philosophy is the foundation of Painting4Real.
How did you get to where you are today?
From as far back as I can remember, art was always my primary focus. Unlike other kids who played with toys, I was constantly drawing and experimenting with colors. There was an intrinsic need within me to create. This passion guided me to seek formal training under a classically trained realist artist. The traditional methods and the discipline of realism resonated deeply with me, offering both a challenge and a joy that solidified my career choice.
Starting Painting4Real with my sister Melissa was a natural progression of our shared passion for art. Teaching others became an extension of our journey, and seeing the spark that traditional art ignites in others is incredibly fulfilling. Our business offers painting4real kits, which include custom-designed painting kits with step-by-step video tutorials. These kits enable anyone, regardless of their artistic background, to create beautiful wall art. This venture has allowed us to share our love for art with a broader audience and make the creative process accessible to everyone.
What do you think has helped you the most with your success?
I’ve surrounded myself with really creative people generous with their talents.. The energy and creativity of those around me constantly push me to grow and improve. This mutual inspiration creates a dynamic and supportive environment that fuels my passion and drive.
What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in order to achieve your goals?
One of the biggest challenges has been doing something very different in a market without a lot of direct competitors. Getting our brand out there in a successful way required innovative marketing strategies and a lot of persistence. It’s been a journey to carve out our niche and build recognition for Painting4Real.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of our return customer rate. When people buy our kits, they come back for more, which means we are truly making an impact. Seeing people impress us with their finished paintings and their artistic growth is incredibly rewarding. Teaching people how to paint and helping them discover their creative potential has also made me a stronger artist through this process.
What are three pieces of advice you could give to our readers?
- Make art. Maybe choose a painting kit or new hobby that inspires you.
- Don’t be afraid of a challenge and don’t be afraid to get started. Paint dries and you can paint over it.
- This is YOUR space and your creative outlet, so be proud of what you create.
You inspire us, but what/who are YOU inspired by?
I am inspired by inspiring others. I am always racking my brain thinking what will get people excited to try painting. The genuine longing for others to experience the joy of creating art is a constant source of motivation for me. Seeing the excitement and pride in someone’s eyes when they complete a piece is incredibly fulfilling.
How do you reward yourself when you’ve reached a goal or after a hard day of work?
I reward myself by allowing time to paint and create for myself. I often say to myself, “I deserve to paint something that’s not for my business.” It’s a way to reconnect with my own creative spirit and enjoy the process without any external pressures.
What is one sassy saying or quote that inspires you? Why?
“Not all paints are created equally.” This saying is a playful reminder that the quality of materials is sometimes out of your hands and you have to modify.. Another favorite is “Fail Faster.” It emphasizes that the only way to achieve success is to push through failures quickly and learn from them, which is an essential part of the creative process.
Ashley-Victoria Smith
Serial entrepreneur, celebrity publicist, published author, swimwear designer, and creative director. Currently resides in the Queen City with her two rescue fur babies indulging in coffee, a good book, and Marvel movies.
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