Meet Leila Elgersma | Mural Painter, Children’s Illustrator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Leila Elgersma and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Leila, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
A huge inspiration for me is in knowing that what I’m doing is going to brighten up a child’s life. I paint murals in a lot of pediatric clinics and urgent care facilities and knowing that a child who is sick or hurt will go into that clinic and feel better or happier because of a picture I painted on the wall is everything to me.
Even a school or daycare, making it a cheerful fun place for kids to go to every day, that’s amazing.
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 have a business called Leila’s Art Corner and I paint murals all over DFW in schools, clinics, daycares, businesses, private residences, etc. I started out in 2011 when we moved to DFW. I had small kids and needed something to do that had flexible hours, etc. and my husband suggested that I try making a business out of painting murals. I had done some for my own kids and for friends but had no idea you could make a living off of it.
I started out really small, just painting mainly in kids rooms and nurseries and it grew from there. I began taking on more commercial jobs and it’s grown into a full time job and successful business.
It’s had its moments and challenges, but for the most part I love it. I love that every day brings something new, a new challenge, a new location and meeting new people. It’s fun too! There is something exciting about painting big. It makes an impact and really changes a space.
When it comes to my work I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I want each piece of artwork to be the best I can do at that moment and under those circumstances. I want my clients to love it and be happy with it and I want to love it and be happy with it as well.
I feel that this has translated into success for me in my business.
What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
When I started painting murals I had all my artistic training in illustrating kid’s books, comics, etc. That was and is a huge help in a lot of my work especially painting pediatric facilities. But I put myself into a box of being a children’s artist and nothing more.
It took a few years for me to have the courage to try things that I felt were outside of my skill set and once I did I realized that there is very little that you can’t do if you are willing to put a little time and effort into learning how.
I started accepting more jobs, even ones I didn’t know how to do off the bat, but I would study and research (eh herm You Tube) how to do them and it worked.
So I’d say this business has taught me to have more faith in myself, to not put limitations on my abilities, and to learn and grow as I go along.
Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
As a mom of four running my own business, caring for myself has not always been high enough on my priority list. This does eventually take its toll.
It’s never easy to invest in self care when there is so much else to care for that seems more pressing and urgent and more important.
It’s a lesson I’m trying to learn, to not feel guilty taking time for myself, or spending on my own health and needs. It’s tough, but important.
I know that eventually I’m going to be unable to do this job due to the physical difficulties it entails, but keeping healthy will enable me to carry on for longer and that is a motivator.
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I often tell people that I’m not an amazing artist, but I am a successful one. Success to me means that I can do this for a living, I have built a business doing art and I’m very proud of that.
My business is small and I keep it that way on purpose. I like to connect personally with my clients and do the work myself to ensure that the work is done right and the clients are happy.
It often means I can’t take on all the projects that come my way and I’m sorry for that, but I’d rather do a little work done right than a whole lot done wrong.
I wanted to mention another side project that I’m working on and very excited about.
My sister is a teacher and early learning expert. She’s written a series of children’s books and I’m illustrating them. The series is called Kadoodlypops and the first book is The Dinosaurs’ Ladybug Car.
It’s a collaborative project and it’s been great fun. We have our first book up on Amazon for sale as well as an activity book to go with it. The second book is in the works and will be up soon.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Deep Ellum. I always take family and friends there when they visit. My kids and I love going too, mostly to check out the murals and see any new ones that have been added. The Dallas Art Museum is a must-see as well.
Most of my family is European so I plan to take them to the Fort Worth Stockyards and a good rodeo or fair to get a real feel of Texas.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Paul Elgersma has been my rock and support. He provides the steady so I can do the inspirational.
Website: www.leilasartcorner.com
Instagram: Leila’s Art Corner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leilasartcorner
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