Watercolor Journeys: How Lanette Yates Turned Her Creative Passion into a Business

Watercolor Journeys: How Lanette Yates Turned Her Creative Passion into a Business

After a 26-year career in medical laboratory sciences, Lanette Yates is embracing her second act as a watercolor illustrator. Her vibrant, joy-filled paintings—often inspired by everyday moments—now grace greeting cards, tea towels, calendars and more, thanks to a leap of faith and a little encouragement from her creative community.

Learn more about Lanette’s story in her interview with Artisan Joy.

How did you get started creating your art or creative product?

My mom is an artist, so I developed my love for creativity from her. Watercolors are her favorite and mine as well. I learned to paint at a young age, but only recently decided to turn my hobby into a small business.

When did you realize that you could turn your artwork or creative product into a business?

I was approached by a friend who wanted to pay me to do a commissioned house portrait. Once I posted that house on social media, requests started coming in, and it has not stopped. I learned about putting my art illustrations on products and about art licensing through various artists that I follow and decided that I wanted this to be my future!

How do you define success for your business?

Of course, I want to be financially successful at my art business, but what that looks like can vary month to month, so I try not to focus on that too much. I would say that when someone is excited to receive a commission or product that I created, it really boosts my confidence and validates my efforts. If what I make brings joy to another, I'm deeply satisfied!

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Gosh, I can't think of one place because I see ideas everywhere! I feel like every day I can encounter a place or thing that I think, "Oooh, that would make a cool illustration!" For example, looking at a beautiful quilt at an estate sale, or the basket of oranges sitting on my counter. It might just be the pattern or color that catches my attention, but I write it on a sticky note and eventually it goes into a "book of ideas."

What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

Not everyone is your fan and will support you-and that is okay! I started out worrying too much about what people would think. That if they didn't verbally support me or buy anything I made, it meant they thought I couldn't or shouldn't be doing this. You just can't be everything to everybody and your people will find you! Embrace the encouragement and don't look for approval from any one person.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start selling their art or creative product?

Find artists who are several steps ahead of you on a similar path you want to follow, especially those who have become educators. You will eventually gravitate to certain ones, and you will learn so much in their shadow! Those who have become educators offer paid courses, and once you have found the right one for you, you will want to invest in those courses. Also, I am a member of a creative community as a graduate of an "art business" course that I invested in, and the wealth of information and encouragement there is amazing!

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I started out in college as an art major and after two years decided it wasn't for me. I pursued sciences instead and I have had a 26-year-long career in medical laboratory sciences. I am now preparing to eventually become a full-time artist as my second career. So, my art path didn't go anything like I would have ever expected, but I am very happy with the past I've had and what the future holds!

As a creative business owner, how do you handle perfectionism?

Typically, if I find myself over-fixating on a painting, I will walk away from it, sometimes for days. Then, when I come back to it, I usually don't even remember what I was stuck on! Sometimes, the best thing I can do to a painting is to "mess it up" a little bit. I love a painting that has little imperfections and happy accidents because that's what makes them unique! If I wanted to be perfect, I would take a picture.

What's something that surprised you about running a creative business?

All the licenses and tax stuff! I still don't know if I've done everything I should do or if what I've done, I did it right! All I can do is try my best and not let it bog me down and keep me from being creative.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

Nothing is perfect, and it is totally reasonable to expect that a business will be exciting at times and hard at other times. So is everything else in life! I have found several podcasts that are encouraging to listen to when I need motivation to power through until the next "win." Bonnie Christine and Creative Pep Talk are just a couple.

Has someone ever criticized your work? How did you handle it?

I can't say that I have had anyone directly criticize my art, but I have thought about how I would handle it if it did happen. If it was something that someone bought from me, I would try to correct the problem. If it was just about my style in general, constructive criticism would be considered, but anything that was just negative talk would be ignored.

Can you share the name of a supplier or vendor that you use for your business that you just love—one that makes running your business a bit easier?

Printswell Fulfillment is my source for printed greeting cards and other paper products. They are great and so easy to work with!

What brings you joy?

I love to travel, and I cannot wait to get to do that more with my husband once we are retired! I love to try new foods and experience cultures different than my own. This world is huge, and there is so much to see! There will be so much art inspiration out there to soak up!

Thanks, Lanette! You can learn more about her work at georgialanetteart.com.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.