Meet Hannah Guy | Visual Artist, Photographer & Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Guy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“Go with what you love.” I hear this saying constantly. People have long used the phrase, “Follow your heart’s desire.” You may have heard, “Do what makes you happy.” While all of this is partly true, feelings, ideas, and views on things most likely change a little bit over time. You may adore baking cakes, and one day you receive an order and do not feel like creating a delicious masterpiece. “Do what makes you happy.” Well, if the baker were to stick to that saying, he or she wouldn’t complete their task. The order would not be completed in time, and the receiver would not be happy. Sometimes we have to pick up our big girl breeches and do the hard things! In the end, you’ll appreciate yourself and gain a sense of accomplishment once the task is done. Kids often spend thousands of dollars choosing a college career they love in the beginning, and then halfway through, they quit and start over with something else. It’s not that you don’t love it anymore; it’s the fact that they don’t remember where the love all started from. We have to step back and ask ourselves: What brought us here? Why did we choose this to begin with? More often than not, we mindlessly go about doing things and forget how to enjoy the journey. With that said, remember why you chose your path and make the best of it while you still can.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a visual and creative artist! I paint, draw, and sculpt with clay, and I also dabble in baking. I’ve painted blue birds, cardinals, many pets, a jaguar, old cars, scenery, and have sketched many portraits. I have been receiving orders since I was about ten years old! The most popular art orders I get are pet paintings and couple portraits. You might think painting is a breeze, and it doesn’t seem challenging. You’d be surprised at how many late nights and countless hours I spent on a small painting. I remember being a teenager and hunching over for hundreds of hours catching up on new art orders. I didn’t know what my art was worth until I got older, and I realized how important each piece is. I would spend hours painting a blue bird for only twenty-five dollars. I was so proud to be making money before having an actual on-the-clock job! As I got older, many family members encouraged me to charge more for my talent. I came to understand that time is precious. My talents and time were precious to other people. It was time to see myself and value myself to a higher standard.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite places in southern California is Carlsbad Village and La Jolla. You could definitely spend a week doing all sorts of things around the area. My favorite places to eat are Mangia e Bevi in Oceanside, Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana in Carlsbad, and Dukes in La Jolla. Dukes tops them all, though! They have the best crab wantons and tangy sweet ribs I’ve ever eaten. I love going to the local farmer’s markets. Carlsbad has the best market for fruits and vegetables! Oceanside Pier is awesome and a place full of good memories. Torrey Pines in La Jolla are majestic and breath-taking. You can take a strenuous adventure down the cliff or observe from the top. It is truly awesome, though.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I was growing up, my family members were my biggest critics! With many compliments came many suggestions and ways I could better myself. I would be so close to feeling satisfied with a piece of artwork, and then I would receive an improving word. I was so stubborn that some days I would be angry at the suggestion. I knew, though, that after I applied the suggestion, the piece would improve. My Mom and my Mawmaw were my biggest advisers! My Mom dabbled in lots of different forms of art, and so did my Grandma! Their opinions were the best of the best. Now that I’ve moved out and I’ve married, my Husband, Jonas, who is also an artist, is my biggest motivator. He is a fabulous artist and draws pieces for the Marine Corps. He pushes me to do my absolute best.

Instagram: @HannahsHandmades&Hobbies

Facebook: Hannah’s Handmades & Photography

Other: hannah.handmades.2@gmail.com