Meet Trailblazer Jennie Pitts Tucker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennie Pitts Tucker.

Jennie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Originally, I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and will always be a loyal Texan at heart. I have a very big family, and we are all very close – two parents, four siblings & 28 first cousins. In 2011, I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. After I graduated, I worked for a program called “Teach for America” – this program places recent college graduates in very under performing schools in America to help change the education gap. I was placed in a very rural part of South Carolina, about an hour west of Charleston. It was hands down the hardest thing I have ever done, but also very rewarding and humbling. I was a 6th grade World History teacher until I knew it was time for a change. I moved to Boulder, Colorado in 2013 and worked multiple jobs for a year – an employee at an all girl’s foster home, barista, nanny and then met a doctor on an airplane and became a Pediatric Orthodontic Assistant. Long story short, in the midst of a turbulent year of my life, I painted an abstract floral painting for a friend and social media attention quickly launched it into a business. Soon after, I painted my first wedding for a friend, and it did not take long before the concept caught on within my network of friends and family. It has been booming ever since!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Teach for America was one of the hardest things I have ever attempted. TFA humbled me and helped me see how sometimes failure can be the greatest success of our lives. I have attempted a lot of things in my life, they have not always worked out, but in the struggles and trials, we gain strong character, solid virtues and enough courage to keep going. If I could talk to myself 5-10 years ago, I would tell myself to meet every person you can and always strive to make a good impression. Networking will always help you, never hesitate to pursue the things you love and do not be afraid to seek advice and help from people you look up to.

Please tell us about Jennie Lou Art – what should we know?
Jennie Lou Art specializes in “live wedding and event painting”, custom artwork and printed work. I think I am most proud of the brand I have built. My brand represents the truest version of myself as an artist. I want customers to perceive Jennie Lou Art as a brand they can trust, an artist who genuinely cares about every painting (and every person) and the personal meaning of the painting to each client. My style of artwork sets me apart – impressionistic, loose style, and unusual use of color. Also, my ability to interpret and translate the ordinary into something so unexpected and extraordinary, in such a short amount of time.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I am offering a Workshop for Aspiring Live Artists October 5-6 in Denver and I would highly encourage anyone looking for mentorship in the realm of creative entrepreneurship to attend! Or contact me, and I would love to organize a one on one meeting. In general, I would encourage anyone searching for a mentor or networking to simply reach out to the people doing what you want to do. It never hurts to send a personal handwritten letter either! Never stop trying. Sometimes you get one response to every 20 letters you send, but that one may be the person you need to get you to the next step!

Pricing:

• Live Painting in Colorado – $2500-$3000
• Custom Artwork – $350-$2000

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jennielouart.com
• Email: jennieloupitts@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennielouart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennielouart/

Image Credit:
Image of me live painting – Rachel Carter Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.