Meet Jamie Sanford | Visual Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jamie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I strive to make my life my own. “Make your own reality” is a motto I’ve picked up from my husband. At first it seemed like a “yeah right, that’s not real” mindset. But the more I gave myself a chance and leaned into what I want my reality to look like, the more I started to invision the possibilities. I can pick up a trade, in my case art, and I can find new ways to express myself. For now, my reality is to create enough income to live comfortably. While doing that, I get to live the life I want: food, parenting, daily tasks, etc. It’s not something I can do lightly. I have to commit to it especially in the capital world we live in. But making my reality is a breath of fresh air compared to living someone else’s reality.

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.
I grew up naturally talented in the arts as far as painting and drawing goes. I grew up in Baytown, TX. If you’ve been there, you would understand the lack of community for the arts. Many people would tell me I need to pursue my talent. However, the issue was I never saw art be appreciated in my town. There were hardly any representations of individuality at homes, shops, cars, or sporting events. When I was told “you need to pursue your talents” it was very hard for me to believe it’ll get me anywhere. After I graduated high-school, I took on being an insurance agent. The idea was that if I stick with it, I’ll bring in enough finances to take care of myself and my family. I enjoyed the people, but it was clearly a “you gotta do what you gotta do” career. I worked my way up to management and built a good book of business for myself.

Through my years of working in insurance, I would enjoy several weekends in Galveston. I been to so many ArtWalks and town events, it was a constant itch in my brain that “I can do that too” or “what if I did that?” One day, I think in 2022, I attended an an event at The Proletariat. It was during the winter because I was in sweats and I remembered everyone was weirding elegant gowns. I was so embarrassed, I hid on the sidewalk to avoid the crowd! It was unusual for me to feel this way because I’ve gone to several events and felt comfortable in whatever I’m wearing. So what made this event different?

I did take a look at the art on the walls. It was beautiful. There were several pieces in the thousanddollar range. And guess what? They sold! There I was, in my sweats, jaw on the floor. The thoughts itching the back of my mind weren’t just itches. I was floored with these thoughts. I knew I could do what this artist is doing. So why aren’t I??? What does it take to be an artist? I knew it was just a matter of time till I figure it out.

Let’s get something straight. I didn’t choose to be an artist to get rich. If you know any artist, it’s not a glamorous life especially starting out. But there’s an inkling of possibility that I can do this and have my bills paid, and that was enough for me.

On the drive home from that event, I was passenger princess in my sweats and I told my husband, I think it’s time to end my insurance career and figure this out. I need to at least try. And to no surprise, he backed me up 100%.

I left the insurance industry summer of 2022. At this point, I was already living in Galveston. I picked up a 9-5 at a smoothie shop and started thinking about what an artist needs to do to get started. At this period, I was a “part time artist.” I advocated for myself, spread the word, attended events, posted all over my social media every little thing I worked on, and it was enough. After the smoothie shop, I bounced from one job to the next. Really seasonally till I felt there’s no growth. October of 2023, I hit a wall with the 9-5’s and decided it’s time to commit to my art full time.

My weekends were full of events, my social media was always loaded with new content, and I knew I have enough in my pipe line to roll through month to month.

As for my art? I never went to college. All I have in my tool box was the lessons I learned in grade school. I naturally cater to portraits and human anatomy. I love showing humans in their raw form of emotions. Some pictures are very dark and full of charcoal scribbles. On the other end of the spectrum, I have a weakness to ritch colors. I can paint animals in new colors and have them really catch the viewers eye. I spent 2 years trying to find what “my style” is. I knew it was there, I just wasn’t sure. So in the meantime, I tried it all.

It wasn’t till I had my first exposition that I really felt an emotional connection with my art. There’s a painting I made called “I Feel in Color.” A stranger came into my expo and started to tear up. She said it really made her feel something inside. She told me a story about what she’s been dealing with personally. My painting helped her feel seen. I felt so much pride and honor to have this power.

Since that night, I have felt a very high standard for my creations. They all have meaning. They all have a message of freedom or emotion or fight. I hold myself with a bit more confidence. And I’m only 2 years in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m obsessed with my town. I have my favorites for sure. It’s a 10 minute walk to the beach and a 10 minute walk to downtown. If we want to go to town, we need to stop for some coffee at Freckleberry on Post Office. Their lawn is a serenity and their drinks are really fun. It’s a whole vibe. We can then walk to The Proletariat, look at the art, sit on the sidewalk, talk to passersby, and enjoy a glass of sangria. After the pro, let’s stroll through the antique shops. Oh and I have to take you to The Galveston Art Center on the strand. Not only is the building beautiful, but the gallery is a dream of mine to be in. Before grabbing a bite to eat, let’s hop to the Rosenberg Library. Talk about beautiful buildings. This will take you back in time. Huge study rooms, art on the 4th floor, a fun kids area for my son on the 1st floor, the whole building radiates inspiration. Let’s end our day at Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza. Fresh pizza, great wine, and amazing meatballs!! It’s a location with magical environment. Let’s end the day at my house. We can sit in the courtyard for hours and talk about making our dreams into realities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Fist and foremost: Derek Sanford, my husband who has the dreamers mind.
My son: “Nino” for giving me constant love and inspiration to enjoy each day and every moment.
My family: my parents who underwood why I left my career, my sisters who understands that support is essential through the starting years .
My Tribe: the people who listen to each idea I have and give their undivided attention Christine, Megan, & Valerie.

Website: https://Jleeartcreations.squarespace.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.leeartcreations?igsh=c3YyZG9mYzV6ejB0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/j.LeeArtCreations?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jleeartcreations?si=pHb_dkWGiMeCMuJh

Image Credits
Photographer: Jamie Sanford