Liz Ballard: Etsy Artist From Texas

Liz Ballard is a young woman who lives less than 30 miles from my home. She is a wonderful artist working out of Arlington, Texas, going to school and working full time. That all takes a lot of dedication and determination. My hat's off to her, if I ever wore a hat, that is. Anyway, here's her story...

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? 

My shop name is LizardoArt and I sell original abstract paintings. My style is contemporary with tons of texture. I offer several different sizes ranging from ACEO to quite large. 

2. What is your shop URL? 

LizardoArt.etsy.com 

3. What long series of events led to you doing this? 

I didn't start painting until I was almost 25! I wanted something cool for my apartment and had little money so I took an idea from a design magazine and started working. I realized it was really fun so I began practicing on canvas paper. I knew I was on to something when I would start painting, look at the clock and realize it was almost 5 in the morning. 

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?

In the middle of October, 2008. So, about four months ago. 

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

I love the community forums. I have learned so much about how to promote my business and take better pictures and all kinds of things I never knew before. I also like that it has a hip young vibe. 

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? 

I love that I notice different things about my paintings all the time. Even though I am the one that painted it, there are always times when I notice something I never noticed before. 

It's so much fun to create also. I love painting! It makes me so happy. 

7. Does living in Texas influence your work? If so, how? 

I may be inlfluenced by our crazy weather but I don't paint anything traditionally associated with Texas. No cows, ranches or anything like that. I don't listen to country music and I've never owned a pair of cowboy boots.

Wow!  I think you just described me perfectly.

8. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?

I love Mica because the texture is so cool. It started out as something completely different and then I finally got it where I wanted it. The texture that built up as a result of that is just awesome! 

9. What teams do you belong to and what do you like most about them? 

Design Style Guide and Visual Artists Streat Team. I love that I have some support and a little bit of mentorship. Plus it's really cool to get a Treasury, then see it get hotter and hotter after alerting your teams. The advice and networking is great. Design Style Guide has some really cool things coming in the future and it's exciting to be a part of that. 

10. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? 

Twitter. I was already on Facebook and Myspace all the time and I still have fun with that. I also like to be in shows in the area if I can. It's a lot of fun to meet people in person. 

11. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? 

I think ImagineStudio has been one of my favorites lately. I seem to pick items from that store for every Treasury. I also love Shauniel's shop. 

12. What do you do in your spare time? 

I'm a full time college student right now and I bartend 30 hours a week so I am not quite sure what spare time is anymore. LOL. I love to try new restarurants and eat out. I like to do things I've never done before, listen to music, catch a show or a movie, go to downtown Dallas or Fort Worth and visit gallery openings and art museums. 

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?

Thanks for checking out my shop. I really appreciate that!

You are very welcome!