Interview with Anneke Swanson

What did it mean to be selected for the commission to do an artistic rendering of The Writing Barn grounds as we launch Buddha Hall and serve now not only the writing community but now the Austin wedding and events scene as well? 

Honored is the first word that comes to mind. I know with certainty that there are more established artists out there who could have been chosen for this opportunity. It was truly my joy to be commissioned for this project. What is most significant for me is that this was an opportunity to invest into a place, that has for so long, invested in me. The Writing Barn has been an integral part of my literary life and it is where I found my writing community. To leave an artistic mark on this wonderful place fills me with gratitude and humility.

You were chosen for your amazing hand-lettering and your color palette and sense of wonder–how did you bring all those skills to the map creation?

First, I spent some intentional time walking the grounds. Even though I have been to the Writing Barn on countless occasions before, I took some time to quietly observe the details of the property. I walked around and took notes, sketched and took several photographs to help get the lay of the land. I wanted to include the unique aspects of the property, such as the chandelier in the trees, the mountain laurels that lined the pathways, the deer who silently greet you and the objects with pops of color throughout. I kept the color palette soft and playful, incorporating the orange of the logo, the green of the buildings and foliage, and the aqua to play up what makes the Writing Barn so interesting. The lettering had to be legible, but I still wanted it to be swirling and whimsical.

Along with being the commissioned artist for the map of the grounds, you are also a writer and have studied with us online and in-person? What did you personally want to capture in the map as someone who has participated in Writing Barn programming?

The Writing Barn is such a delightful and enchanting place and I wanted to capture its peace and beauty. I personally love maps and visual aids, so I wanted to create something that would be practical, but also beautiful. My hope is that the map will remind users of their magical time at The Writing Barn.

Tell us about your many different offerings: from art classes for kids, bouquet portraits for brides, and home landscapes for families.

When I am not drawing or painting for my book dummies, I enjoy teaching and creating for others. I offer art classes for children ages 4-12, (and sometimes adults on a case-by-case basis). These all take place in my home studio and I am thankful for a space I can share with budding artists. I absolutely adore fresh flowers and I enjoy oil painting flowers on canvas. When I was a bride, I wanted to preserve my flowers somehow, so I painted my bouquet on a large canvas. This opened the door for me to paint bouquet portraits for brides as a way to remember their special day. Recently, I’ve completed watercolor commissions of various things from recipes with hand-lettering to illustrations that people can hang in their homes. There is nothing like having an original, customized painting to celebrate love and life.

You balance your art, your writing, your art business all while being a creative mom. What are some takeaways you want to share with other creative women?

I have a one-year-old little girl who keeps me on my toes. It is very difficult to balance being a stay-at-home mom and pursuing what I love, but it can be done.

A couple takeaways that work for me include:

Ask For Help: Find your community, your “A-team” to lift you up when you need support. I think it is okay to ask when you’re in a bind and not feel ashamed about it. I also have an incredible husband who supports my dream and he helps in many ways.

Plan ahead: I sit down with my paper planner (yes, I still use a physical planner) and decide what blocks of time I am going to create and then commit to that time.

Prioritize: My to-do list is super long and overwhelming at times, so I have to prioritize what seems the most important. Since time is so limited, it is important for me to decide what takes precedence.

Make The Most Of The Time Allotted: As a mom, there are only so many hours available for me to work, so I must use this time wisely. It is hard to have to stop mid-creation, but if I wait for the perfect block of time, I might never begin. I think it is also important to be present with baby – they grow up too fast and I don’t want to miss that either!

Organize Your Space: This is hands down one of the most important areas for me. If my environment is chaotic, then I feel chaotic and I can’t focus. I have to take the time to keep my office studio space tidy and organized. I just spent the last weekend completely reorganizing my space so that I can have a fresh mind to create.

More about Anneke:

Anneke Swanson writes and illustrates picture books for children. A previous K-2 teacher, she now teaches art at Austin Montessori School and in her home studio. Anneke finds inspiration everywhere from art supply stores, to sitting under tall shade trees, to sipping a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc and cuddling up on cold, rainy days. She lives deep in the heart of Austin, Texas with her husband and baby girl. Follow Anneke on Instagram @annekeswanson.

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2 thoughts on “Interview with Anneke Swanson

  1. Beautiful map! And I love your color-coordinated and tidy office space! Maybe I need to do something about my mess….

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