It has been a long journey to get to this point but today I finally opened my Etsy shop. It was kinda scary to push that publish and open my shop button. The thoughts about how I feel like I don't know what I am doing, in terms of running a business, came flooding to mind but I know everything will work itself out. I am anxiously waiting my first order and seeing how the process goes. I am so excited to be taking on a dream I have had since I was a kid, to sell my artwork. It is really amazing that these days there are so many outlets for selling artwork. it used to be that you pretty much either had to be in a gallery or a street fair but now you can reach customers so many places, and I am super thankful for that. 

​You can visit my Easy shop at HeatherNorrisArt.etsy.com.

Have you ever wanted your own portrait? Have you ever wanted to get a unique gift for your friend or family member, something that really stood out? Well, an illustrated custom portrait is for then! I love capturing the unique characteristics of people in my portraits. There are usually a few things that stand out about a person that make it possible for  someone looking at the illustration recognize who it is. I try to add little details, like a favorite color or hair style or facial expression to really nail down who the portrait is illustrating. Customized illustrated portraits really do make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, retirements, families and much more. 

My cats both have unique personalities that bring me joy ( and sometimes annoyance) everyday. I have two cats that love to hang out with me when I am creating artwork, usually by laying on top of whatever I am trying to draw or paint. One of my favorite things to illustrate has been my cats and my friend's pets. Before I draw a pet I like to know what are their unique traits and behaviors. By finding out their qualities as seen through their owner's eyes I can make a portrait that highlights what makes them special. Maybe your pet is quiet and moody, maybe they are hyper and friendly. The challenge of making those qualities come through onto a piece of paper is what makes illustration so fun. Let me illustrate your pet. All types of pets are welcome, even a lizard, if that's your thing.

A watercolor illustrated house portrait is the perfect keepsake for your home or as a gift for your loved ones. It would be a great gift for a new homeowner to commemorate their new journey as a homeowner. With the original illustration I am also offering a high quality digital print that could be used to place onto postcards and sent out as a new home and moving announcement. It is also the perfect gift for clients of real estate agents, interior decorators and contractors. It would be the perfect gift for first time and long time homeowners, weddings, anniversaries, retirements, and birthdays. A custom house portrait is a wonderful reminder of all the happiness, memories and cherished events that will happen and have happen in a home. This one of a kind artwork goes above and beyond the typical snap shot.

I have always loved the story and memories behind a moment in time. I am the type of person that has a million photos because I try to capture every moment. I am a very sentimental person and I love talking to people about their personal histories and memories. Everyone has a story and special moments in their own unique timeline of life. I will be offering custom illustrated timelines in my Easy.com store. A timeline can be any series of moments in your or a loved one's life. Maybe you want to illustrate a timeline for an anniversary gift or a birthday. In that case I would take between 5 to 10 moments in a lifetime and illustrate those moments in a timeline format. Another great idea for a timeline gift is for graduation or a special trip you took. I take moments and make a visual snap shot to remember them by. They make great conversation pieces because everyone will want to know the story behind the illustrated moment. Coming soon!

Wow, time has passed! I went on a two week road trip from California to Washington and lost track of time when I got back. I usually try to have blog posts more evenly spaced. 
​In other news, I have been working on my business and setting up my soon-to-be Etsy.com store front. The Etsy.com store front will be where you, yes you, will be able to find a variety of custom illustrations that will be available for purchase. I will be doing custom portraits, pet portraits, house illustrations and timelines, just to name a few. Start thinking now about a special someone, including yourself, who might want a custom illustration as a special gift and keepsake.

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