Meet Hannah Isabelle | Illustrator & Watercolor Painter

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

Hi Hannah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I moved to Dallas, it felt like I was starting a journey of self-discovery. I had never lived outside of my home state of California, and it felt like I was finally turning a page and starting the next chapter in my life. Art, specifically illustration, was something I had wanted to pursue. I challenged myself that October to draw everyday for 31 days straight. It felt like I had switched on a lightbulb in my head. The feeling is hard to explain, but I suppose to put it simply, it made me happy to draw. I wasn’t the best at it in the beginning, and now that I look back, I guess I pursued an artistic career to get better at art! I wanted to share this journey of unashamed self-discovery through illustration with others. I hope by doing that, other people can see the value and beauty art brings to the world, and how it brings people that share a common interest together. I just think that’s the most beautiful thing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to think that my art is very honest. A lot of my illustrations take inspiration from my emotions, or what I’m going through at that point of time. I’m proud of the growth I’ve made as a self-taught artist. I’m not formally trained in art and illustration. This in itself is pretty challenging, since I have to figure things out as I go along; however I have a wonderful group of friends from my illustration group and other artist groups as resources. With their advice and stubborn perseverance, I have a humble social media following and Etsy shop. It wasn’t easy, especially having to juggle a part-time job alongside my creative passions. I’ve definitely struggled with self doubt. There’s a certain level of patience I think an artist needs when starting out. But for me, I like to consider it a part of my journey as an artist. You might feel like you’re growing slowly, hiking up that hill at a snail’s pace. However, you’re meeting people along the way and sharing something so meaningful. I want the world to know that it’s okay to be unapologetically passionate, and to love life so loudly and proudly. I want to convey that magic with my art, because when I illustrate, I feel this magic in my heart and soul.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take them to the Dallas Zoo or the Dallas World Aquarium. Animals are so inspiring to me and an afternoon of gazing and maybe sketching some wildlife sounds like a great time. If the weather is nice, I’d take them to the Arboretum. And again, they’d have to deal with me wanting to paint every flower I see! Then we’d grab coffee at White Rock Coffee, or maybe meet up with my illustration group at Java Land in Richardson for some art and boba tea. Maybe to end the day, see a movie at Alamo Drafthouse or catch a performance at Opening Bell Coffee.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a LOT of people who were instrumental in my growth as an artist. First and foremost, my big sister, musician Karyna Micaela. She’s been the biggest cheerleader for my career as an artist and she introduced me to her friends, fellow artists, Maysa Sem and Jefferson Muncy. Jeff and Maysa are two people to whom I owe huge props to as well. Founders of the DFW Illustration Group, they have encouraged me to share my work on social media, do shows, and start an Etsy store. They are a huge part of where I am as an artist today. Dianita of Dianita’s Art is a lovely friend who has given me the most helpful advice; I cannot thank her enough for the love and support she has given me. And all of my friends in the DFW Illustration Group, y’all are such lovely and inspiring friends and I’m so thankful y’all are in my life.

Website: http://hannahisabelleart.pb.gallery/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/hannah_isabelle_art

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hannah_isa_art

Facebook: http://facebook.com/hannah.isabelle.art

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Xut9zMBD5RO-pWRSHEJzQ

Other: My Etsy Shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/HannahIsabelleArt