Meet Hillarie Isackson | Fine Artist & Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hillarie Isackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hillarie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My entire life I was gifted in the arts, and worked very hard to put myself through college and graduated with a BFA in Fine Art and Graphic Design when I was only 20 years old. However, having children several years later, and then being the sole provider for them left me no choice but to pursue a stable career that would provide for my family. For several years I was a studio photographer in downtown Seattle, WA, but without any childcare assistance I was forced out of the work force unable to afford the costs on a small salary. I gave up my dreams of doing anything artistic, and stumbled into success doing marketing and sales for a small hvac company.

Within two years I went from being on government assistance, to earning close to six figures walking door to door finding qualified customers. I independently purchased a home shortly after having my third child. For another five years I worked very hard in the industry, until I realized that it no longer felt right for me.

Shortly before the events of 2020, I made the decision to take a loan out on my home, and go back to my dream of being a full time artist. It sounded crazy, and I had very little support in deciding this. As a single mother of three, it was risky to leave a job that was paying me well enough to establish a comfortable life. However, my kids were at a very impressionable age, and it was important for me that they see that it was possible to live their dream at any time in their lives. I wanted them to be a part of it, and I made the commitment to myself that I wouldn’t give up until I found success.

In my heart I always knew that things would work out as long as I focused on the gift of connection that art brings to communities and individuals, I believe that even without a clear business plan, that taking steps of faith in alignment with what feels right has taken me to heights in my pursuits that I couldn’t have imagined in the beginning. It continues to evolve into a business model that is perfect for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The goal of my art has always been to create a soul connection. That is why my greatest passions include public murals, live paintings and sentimental commissioned pieces. The past three years taught me to evolve, and never get fixed on the outcome of my career as an artist. I want to be open to what direction it takes me.

My initial vision was to find a gallery who would represent my art, and become a fine artist. After a slow start in the beginning, selling hand painting hats and jewelry at small pop up markets, the government began to shut everything down. I was worried I may have made a mistake, and was going to not only lose the money I had for my business but everything I’ve worked for as well. I learned to be resilient, and shifted my focus to murals. I decided to start painting on every wall of my house, and posted them as though they were clients. I was building my portfolio, even though I was making no money at all. Later that year, I had an idea to paint dogs on Christmas ornaments, and suddenly was flooded with orders. I learned then that my greatest asset to my success was my community. It wasn’t about online sales, or gallery representation, but the people who purchased my art were investing in me as an artist.

After getting my first mural job with my city, I began getting more exposure and working full time, but I’ve always kept my focus local. I began doing as many jobs as I could on a volunteer basis if they aligned with my purpose, such as public murals that specifically advocate for important issues or inspiring youth. My community became my foundation, and anchor to my success. I have since created over fifty murals, participated in art exhibitions, became a published illustrator, have been a finalist in Art Battle speed painting competitions, paint live weddings and events, as well as a multitude of commissioned works. I have given group classes, and individual classes, and continue to mentor youth. My art has made local and national headlines, and I’m happy that these stories have all been positive and inspiring.

I’ve worked very hard, and I’ve been proud of my accomplishments, but the past few years also came with it’s own set of challenges. As an artist, there is a fine line to walk in terms of self promoting for future commissioned work, and weeding out unwanted attention. I’m happy to have gained media attention for my work, especially ones that were advocating for important causes, but not all attention is good and I’ve had my fair share of hate mail and acts of violence because of my art that made the news. I also struggled early on protecting myself from people who wanted to use my success for their own personal gain, and I had many setbacks from not setting those boundaries from the beginning. As a highly sensitive person, it’s difficult to have attention like this, but as I push myself further in my work I know it is inevitable and I’ve had to make adjustments to my life so I don’t feel overwhelmed by it.

This year I have some exciting large public mural jobs ready for better Pacific Northwest Weather, and I’m staying very busy with business and home murals. In an effort to span out from my home town, I have been accepted to work as a contracted employee for the cruise lines teaching art classes, and doing live paintings. I would also like to identify cities that have very few murals, and work with interested youth to provide them with the skills needed to create their own murals. It would be a way to plant seeds within young artists who can continue to beautify the space around them where ever they go. I am currently working with a school in Texas.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gig Harbor is one of the most beautiful places in the world! I grew up here, and moved back after living overseas for five years. I bought my home in downtown Gig Harbor, near the picturesque waterfront where you can see Mount Ranier at the mouth of the harbor.

If anyone is visiting here during warmer weather months, they have to get on the water by boat or by paddle. Paddling the harbor you will be followed by harbor seals, then spend some time hunting for carnelian agates on the sandy beach by the lighthouse. You can boat or paddle up to the famous Tides Tavern, or Gig Harbor’s own Seven Seas Brewery or if you’re looking for a nice dinner with a view, pull up to Anthony’s.
If you really want a unique experience, paddle or boat to Cutts Island (Dead Man’s Island to the locals). It is a seal estuary that is protected, and only accessible by boat. You can see the island by visiting the home page of my website www.hartstudiosgigharbor.com

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to say thank you to everyone who supported my dream, and believed in me along the way. My friends, family and community have built me up from day one. Something as small as buying a sticker when I was just starting out, gave me confidence to keep going. I’ll never forget the first time someone bought a hand painted hat, or commissioned me for a mural. Every opportunity has been a stepping stone to get me to where I am today, and I hope people realize how difficult it is to start a small business. It takes courage, ingenuity and grit beyond measure, and most importantly a strong support system.

I’ll never forget those difficult days setting up at markets, and wonderful memories of my kids working at my booth with me. Those of you who tag and share my work, and give me referrals to your friends and family. I love you all so much, and thank you for helping me through this journey.

Website: www.hartstudiosgigharbor.com

Instagram: instagram.com/hillarieart

Facebook: facebook.com/hillarieart

Youtube: www.youtube.com/hillarieart

Other: https://www.kuow.org/stories/a-mural-for-ukraine-is-now-a-symbol-that-love-will-prevail https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/mural-supporting-ukraine-is-destroyed-in-gig-harbor-but-artist-has-a-plan/ https://komonews.com/news/local/love-will-prevail-ukraine-mural-vandalized-in-gig-harbor-takes-on-new-message https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/love-will-prevail-gig-harbor-artists-mural-in-support-of-ukraine-vandalized https://www.gigharbornow.org/news/health-wellness/suicide-prevention-coalition-works-to-remove-stigma-around-mental-health/ https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article256323722.html