Today on Art + Audience, Stacie is joined by the talented illustrator, surface designer, and educator, Genna Blackburn. From designing for children’s products to building a supportive community for artists, Genna shares her journey of discovering her artistic style, nurturing a loyal audience, and balancing creativity with business growth.
Genna’s artistic path began in graphic design, but it wasn’t long before she felt the need to break away from client-driven projects and explore her own voice. After transitioning to surface design, Genna experienced the anxiety many artists face: “I don’t have a style.” She admits that this fear initially held her back, but she embraced the challenge of finding her unique aesthetic. Today, her playful, childlike designs can be found on a wide range of products, including fabric, puzzles, and even diapers.
One of the key lessons from Genna’s journey is how she overcame the fear of not being “good enough” or not having a clear style. Genna now teaches other artists how to push past these mental blocks. She explains, “Now that I can draw without having an anxiety attack, I love sharing tips with others.” Her openness about the struggles of the creative process has resonated with her audience, helping them find confidence in their own work.
When it comes to growing an audience, Genna is refreshingly honest: “I just got lucky at first.” She created a free guide on developing a signature style without overthinking it, and this instinctual move attracted exactly the right people. Her guide helped grow her email list to 4,500 subscribers organically.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Genna’s advice is simple: “Done is better than perfect.” Focus on creating something you’re passionate about, even if it’s not perfect. And once it’s out there? Keep talking about it. Genna emphasizes the importance of continuously promoting your work: “If you’re not talking about it enough to feel like you’re overdoing it, you’re probably not talking about it enough.”
A turning point for Genna was achieving a cohesive look for her Instagram feed. She encourages artists to be selective about what they share to maintain consistency in style. “I plan out my posts ahead of time,” she explains, and her curated approach has helped her grow both her audience and her licensing opportunities. Genna notes that a limited color palette has been a defining feature of her work, and while it may seem restrictive, it has made her brand more recognizable.
A recurring theme in this episode is the value of vulnerability. Genna believes that being open about struggles is key to building trust and connection with your audience. Whether it’s the challenge of finding your style or the fear of making bad art, she encourages artists to share their journey. “People connect with that,” Genna says. “They want to know you’re real and that you’ve gone through the same things they’re going through.”
Genna Blackburn’s story is a testament to the importance of authenticity, persistence, and sharing your creative journey. Whether you’re an artist trying to develop your style or someone working to grow an audience, her advice is clear: start with passion, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to share your struggles.To learn more about finding your artistic voice, download Genna’s free guide here and follow her on Instagram @gennablackburn for more inspiration and tips.
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