Conversations with Jennifer Hahn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hahn.

Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have been creating art since childhood and never was without my sketchbook growing up. From a young age, I fell in love with the natural world and exploring the outdoors. When I went to college, I ended up getting double majors in Fine Arts and Biology. After working as a field ornithologist across the western states for many years, I moved to Colorado to be close to family and that is when I began focusing more on my art as a career.

My expertise is in nature and figurative painting in a colorful, realistic style. I often bring my experiences and love for wildlife and nature into my artwork. In addition to my watercolor and oil paintings, I use acrylics to paint custom murals in people’s homes and love creating beautiful reflections of nature indoors. Painting baby nurseries and kids’ rooms is especially rewarding, as I love creating imaginative and nature-inspired spaces for children. I believe art can bring people together and is an important part of our everyday lives.

I believe nature and art are the most amazing things in the world and want to share that joy with others! My artistic goals are to inspire creativity, cultivate empathy and nurture the connection between people and nature through my art.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
Starting your own business has a steep learning curve! I now own a single-member LLC, do my accounting, and run my social media accounts and Etsy shop – but it took time (and some frustration!) to figure out the business management side of things. I am so thankful for small business resources like the SBDC that helped guide me and introduced me to fellow creative small business owners.

Running a creative business can be challenging at times, as you are marketing and selling your art. Art can be deeply personal and time intensive to create, so the normal rejections and setbacks that come with running a business can feel like personal attacks. I have learned to use these setbacks as experiences to grow and evolve my business, instead of seeing them as roadblocks or mistakes.

I am still learning and growing in my business all the time. I think my entire art career will be a journey of growing and changing while I learn more about myself and running a business- and that is a good thing!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in nature-inspired painting with a focus on figurative and portraiture subjects. I recently have gotten back into oil painting, and am proud of my dedication to painting what brings me joy. I think the human figure is so interesting and beautiful, and love painting nature-inspired compositions that reflect my viewpoints.

My background in wildlife research and botany gives me a unique viewpoint when painting nature-themed art. My indoor murals bring the outdoors into your home and create unique spaces that inspire creativity and appreciation for the natural world.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
For inspiring artists out there, my advice is that you’re never too old to start painting and create art that brings you joy. Also, remember that mistakes are great opportunities to grow as an artist and business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenhahnart.com
• Instagram: @jenhahnartist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenhahnart
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jenhahnartist
• Other: www.etsy.com/shop/jenhahnart