Use Cheap Paint and Expect Great Results

If you are just starting to paint and not making money yet you might be tempted to reach for the cheapest paint you can find. If you’re reaching for cheap paint, chances are you’re cutting corners for quality. I highly recommend DecoArt Americana paints. The quality of paint that DecoArt provides is perfect for painting wooden door hangers. If you’re wondering what colors to start with, I have a list of DecoArt colors that I find myself reach for most often. You can find them here!

Try to Sell Copyrighted Designs

We all know that original work and ideas are best, but sometimes getting inspiration from other artists really helps get our creative juices flowing. While I don’t mind that people in my community copy designs that I do as they learn, other artists might not be okay with it. It’s important to be respectful of the original owner’s work. It’s also important to understand that you can’t sell copyrighted designs. You could get in legal trouble for trying to replicate logos, characters, or traits that might belong to a brand. In most circumstances your best bet is going to be to utilize your own creativity to create something beautiful!

Leave Brushes in Dirty Paint Water Overnight

It’s easy to get caught up in what you’re painting and leave your brush sitting on the edge of your paint palette with paint on it. Next time you’re painting, grab a cup of water and drop your paint brushes in the cup as you’re finished using them. Now be sure you don’t leave them in the water overnight. Leaving paint brushes in dirty paint water overnight is a good way to ruin your paint brushes very quickly. The handles of the paint brush are made of wood, and when they get wet, they will swell. So be sure to wash them shortly after you’re finished using them. Knowing the proper way to clean and care for your paint brushes will help them to last longer and paint smoothly! I wrote an entire blog post on how to care for your paint brushes, be sure to check it out.

Compare Your Artwork to Others

Comparison is the thief of joy so one of my biggest tips for beginners is to avoid comparing your artwork to others. Every single artists that you look at is at a completely different stage in their artistic journey. It’s not fair to compare your day one artwork to Susie’s eight year experience. At first, painting was difficult for me – trying to figure out how to paint and what designs or techniques I wanted to use. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and designs, because that’s when you can across some of your favorite combinations are.

Think You Can’t Teach a Paint Party Because You Haven’t Been Painting Long Enough

Many people believe that they have to be good at painting to teach everyone to paint or to host paint parties. To be honest, I had only painted like three or four door hangers before I taught my first paint party. However, the majority of people that attended my paint parties, had never painted a door hanger before so I was already ahead of them. Reality is, the majority of people attending my paint parties are coming to paint a cute design for their door and have fun painting with their friends. As the teacher, you’re there to provide them with the tips and tools to get them there!

Underprice Your Art

Not sure how to price your door hanger? If you’re just starting, it can be difficult to know how to price your door hangers. You don’t want to overcharge if you’re not experienced but you also don’t want to not make enough money to cover your time and expenses. If you’re on the hunt for pricing advice check out this blog post I wrote for how to price your door hangers.

Wanting More Tips for the Beginner Painter?

Join me and all my PC Sisters in the Painter’s Clubhouse. It’s a monthly membership where you can grow from beginner painter to a confident door hanger artist. Surround yourself with other artists who are there to encourage and grow along with you. We believe in community over competition so you will always be able to work alongside and learn from other members. I hope to see you there soon!