Working With Interior Designers, Finding Your Style, and Building a Sustainable Art Career with Lindsay Von Art

Introduction

0:00Hello and welcome back. Today I am joined by Atlanta-based artist Lindsay Vaughn. We talk about her path from the advertising world to a full-time artist, how she built strong relationships with interior designers, and what it really looked like growing a sustainable art career over time. This episode is full of practical insight on finding your style, showing your work in real spaces, and thinking beyond the canvas as your business evolves.

0:32I know you're going to love it, so let's get into the interview.

Lindsay Vaughn Background

0:35Welcome to the podcast. Lindsay, would you introduce yourself and give everyone a little bit of background into you and your career? Yeah. My name is Lindsay Vaughn. I am an abstract artist in Atlanta. I am originally from Winter Park, Florida. I've been here for almost 20 years, so I am a true Atlanta native, I feel like. So yeah, I have been, I would say, full-time artist since 2018. I've had to put, you know, a date on it. But I, before that, like I grew

1:08up in a, my family was very creative. Like my dad was an architect, my mom was an art teacher, you know, crafts and just like a hands-on environment, creative environment throughout my life. So, which is, I'm so thankful for. I went to the University of Florida. I studied, not art, I studied economics. Ended up in the advertising world. So I've kind of dabbled in everything. I worked in advertising on the agency side and client side for a little over 10 years. So I,

1:38I, during that time I had my first daughter and then my second, I was decorating her nursery and I was with another friend. And at the same time we were both like, you know, I had this hobby of painting and she was dabbling in interior design and she was helping me decorate this nursery. And still to this day is like your beautiful crib with a piece of artwork over it. And so we were looking at all this stuff and she was like, you could do this. Like, why don't, why don't you just try it out? Or so it really, I would say kicked off then. Cause I started taking classes, just kind

2:14of exploring. I set up a studio in our house and went from there. And then it was, you know, I created a website, Instagram page, and started selling. And I have to say like definitely gifting pieces, giveaways, everything you could think of just to build momentum. So yeah, as soon as I started realizing, like I could sell pieces and, you know, apply to galleries and I applied to emerging artist shows and I did all kinds of pop-ups like Northside Methodist pop-up, holiday show, you know, Gainesville.

2:49I'd really tried to find every artist market that I could get my hands on. And really just throughout the years, it's just doubled each year and grown from that. Long story short, I feel like my biggest takeaway from all of that was just to be consistent really, just to keep getting out there and networking, applying to shows and meeting people. And so, yeah, at that same time, my career totally shifted. I was able to stay home with my second child and have the flexibility to raise them and to focus on art. So it's just kind of crazy to see how it all panned out. But I would think

3:26another part too, you know, cause I was kind of going back to when I feel like there was a huge

Career Shift

3:32shift, you know, besides leaving the corporate world, you know, painting and doing shows, I would say definitely during the pandemic, cause in 2020, the world was, it felt like it shut down. So at that time I was pregnant with my third and then we sold our home and all these things were changing and we had to move to Florida for a couple of months because we transitioned your home and COVID, you know, all this stuff. I remember trying flowers out, just like, I'm just going to dabble in this and see how

4:03this goes. And I was pregnant. It was like 80 degrees out. I was in my parents' garage studio and those just really took off. So I feel like the flowers or the abstract florals that I did then was probably to me, like my biggest breakthrough in my career and kind of just went from there on, you know, trying out new styles and exploring that. And I do feel like too, during that time, the pandemic, everyone was home. Everyone was looking to liven up their space and

4:37their environment. And also, you know, I talk kind of a little bit in my bio about this approach of like bringing outdoors inside. So I was really focused on that and having like warm earth tones and colors that were just calming and soothing. In addition to that, I feel like I have like a signature brown background style and a lot of my florals. And I get the comment a lot, like these colors are coming back, like the maroons and cranberries and mustard. I tend to really focus on

5:10bringing in nature inside and also this heirloom collection of pieces for clients. I think you have a stunning style. It's something you've definitely come into your own. I've followed you since the beginning and seen how it's evolved. But a lot of artists are wondering is, as you were finding that style, it sounds like you were putting yourself out there before you were ready, maybe like you were doing shows, you're doing all this stuff. Did you feel like you had a style and then reached out? Or were you reaching out to people kind of along the way as you were finding your voice? Yeah, I think I was, I think I was reaching out as I was finding

5:45my voice, because I feel like I, I still wanted to kind of connect, you know, and network and see what people wanted, you know, because I feel like I would think flowers are really working. And I should only focus on that. But then I would meet somebody and say, I really like your abstracts. Can you do that? So I feel like I've dabbled in both for sure. And it's nice to say too, that I've had repeat buyers, there's, you know, someone who buys a floral, and then they want an abstract for another room. I would have to say that I was kind of finding my way throughout that, because I feel

6:17like, you know, as you talk to these designers, especially, I mean, that's kind of my main, you know, galleries, I've definitely have connections with, but the gap, the designers, I feel like, are more transparent as far as trends and what is working and what their clients want, right? Because I feel like the galleries, they do a great job at selling, but they have a range of everything, right? So I feel like, you know, just staying in touch with designers, and even just clients, like asking them, and even honestly, shows too. I remember being rejected from a few shows and asking

6:50them, you know, what did you want more of? Like, what didn't you like? Because I would just submit everything, trying to figure out what would stick, you know? And some of them said, like, Oh, I really like your abstracts. I really like your florals. So I kind of just built off that. Yeah. Well, something I think you've done really well that is hard to do is you have different subjects matters, but it all very much feels like you. And I think it's kind of through that consistent palette. And you've also done a great job branding yourself. How do you think about marketing in terms

7:21of, you know, you have abstracts, and you have florals, and we can get into some other stuff like lampshades and things like that. But how are you thinking about branding yourself as an artist, when you're not one of those people that's like, I just do this one thing, which I think is a good thing, by the way. Yeah, yeah. No, I think consistency is, is great. And I crack up because I'll, you know, have family like, okay, we've seen the flowers, like enough with the flowers. But I'm always like, but you've seen them, but not everyone else has. So I do think consistency is, is huge with the florals, with abstracts. But I would think I really try to tie, you know,

7:54to tie my color palette all together. So I am really big on creating like unique colors. I'm like, find so much joy in creating different blues. And I feel like that's my signature color, the blues and the browns. I do feel like, yeah, if you can find a consistent palette, then it kind of all ties together and a little bit of like the coastal feel. I say bringing nature from the outside in. But I do still think that having a touch of the coastal vibes in my work

8:24is important to me. And there's so much inspiration that comes from, from Florida right now, you know, the bamboo and the birds and palm trees. So I try to, to try to keep that in mind as well.

Working with Designers

8:38Yeah, definitely. Well, let's talk about designers, because I think that's something you're, you're working with designers, you seem to have a lot of success with working with them. Can you talk about what that looks like? Like, maybe let's start with how you kind of formed connections with designers in the first place. And then we can get into like, what it actually looks like to work with a designer as an artist for people that don't know. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I have, I've had a range. So I've had, you know, designers just reach out to me via DM on Instagram. But I think the biggest thing for me is, I try to follow like one to two new designers each day. But I think just the simplest

9:15thing as far as like commenting on their work, or just having some dialogue of this looks so great, like, here's my information. If you need my, you know, even for future projects or something like that. I just think creating that kind of dialogue with them. And, you know, just sending newsletters or Hey, this is my latest work. I have a show in Nashville, you know, if you're in the area, check it out. So I think just staying in touch with them is huge for me. Oh, gosh, what did she

9:46do? She had or no, she wanted my work. She was an Atlanta interior designer, and she wanted to see my work, but she couldn't get to my studio or something like that. But she drove all the way to Nashville to see my work. And I don't think she would have known unless I had given her a heads up, you know, this is coming up. And she brought her mom and it ended up being, you know, like a fun family event and met her and her family. So I think just creating that personal relationship with them is huge. And just staying in touch, really. I feel like it's also an act of what

10:17you've done is not like waiting for them to find you. It sounds like some came across you. And that's wonderful. But also, not being scared to go out there and be like, I followed this person. And then I commented and then, you know, maybe reached out in some way. Yeah, I think that's important for everything for galleries for designers. I just think I'm not enough artists put themselves out there. And sometimes it just takes putting yourself out there. Yeah, people to find you. Yeah, 100%. And, and I also found to is, you know, these, these show houses are so huge, right? They

10:49attract, I mean, they have opening nights and so many events, just kind of like spotlight on art. But I do feel like staying in, and I need to be better at this, too. But just staying on top of when the show homes are, and you know, when the entries for them, and when they pick their designers. I mean, I have just messaged, you know, because a lot of times they're looking to source, you know, work, they have, it's such a huge expense to decorate their space. So even, you know, staying on track or staying on top of that, to see when it's approaching. And the best thing, too,

11:21is that you get, I mean, most designers are very generous with our photos, but is, is then you get the photos from that. So which I think is great for your Instagram and your website and portfolio. So yeah, I've tried to do that in the past few years, just reach out like, hey, congratulations, you were selected 2025 interior designer for this space in Atlanta, you know, do you need any work, I'm happy to commission a piece or show you some examples. So I've found that to be really successful as well. I think that's great. I'm such a proponent of propelling your career with interior designers,

11:53because I think it gives you that check of approval, that credibility, through obviously, you're working with someone who has taste. And I think if you can work with a designer, generally, you do get photos, or you just get great exposure, like being in one of those show houses. And I think a lot of artists, you have to connect the dots for your clients, like an interior designer can see a rainbow abstract piece and envision how that will look in a traditional home. Everyday person can't always, sometimes you're trying to sell your work. Sometimes people are like, I really love it. But like, I just don't know how it's going to fit in my house.

12:24Yeah. Versus when you have a photo from an interior designer, you're like, look how beautiful this is. This is a, you know, I'm making this up like a traditional dining room. And it has this, like, crazy piece of artwork in it. And look how wonderful it looks. And so I think you get that too, with working with designers, as you get that. Here's an example. Yes, exactly. And I, and I've noticed too, at shows, you know, I there's every now and then there's like, people who love the brown, and there's people who hate the brown. And they're like, oh, gosh, it's just so, it's so bold. I'm not quite sure how that's going to work. And then I'm like, well, actually, here is a photo from, you know, the Atlanta show home or Atlanta lifestyle magazine.

13:01And they're, you know, against this, like really soft cream wall or off or sage. And they're like, oh, okay, I get it now. So yes, 100%. I think that is, that's crucial. Yeah, no, I think that's amazing. Well, I do. You touched on Instagram from DMing people to having photos to share there. How are you thinking about that platform? I know a lot of artists. I mean, the majority, I would have to say that most of my, the highest percentage of my sales definitely comes from Instagram, which is great. And I feel like it is your own website, in a sense.

13:32So I try and I've been trying to get better at this is to pay a lot of attention, just how a quick scan of my Instagram page looks like, like without even clicking on any links, because I just think asking somebody to take that extra step is a huge pain. So just to having, you know, a very clean look and feel on your page that tells a story, you know, set as your color palette, everything in one. So I think that is amazing. Because again, if somebody doesn't want to go to the website or take

14:04the time, that's an easy route. The other thing, though, is I just feel like Instagram, I feel like less and less, or people are less and less using it right now, you know, artists are using it, creatives are using it. But the buyer, I don't feel like is on there as much as they used to be, especially, you know, obviously, since pandemic days and such. But I feel like people are leaning more towards Pinterest and Etsy. Those are two platforms that I honestly have not explored and would like to, you know,

14:39to look at more, because I feel like people are more curious about being creative in like themselves, right? So they're looking at ideas and ways to create and build. And so I feel like more people are, and also like needle, like needle point and sewing or board games, like all those things, traditional things, I feel like are coming back. So I feel like those two outlets are much stronger than Instagram right now. So I need to personally, I need to focus more on that.

15:11Because I just think that Instagram is so saturated with artists and so many creatives that it's just really hard to stand out. That's just not me. So Yeah, I feel like people also, right now in this very specific day and time have a little bit of an aversion to social media. Like, I think that's why less people are on it. Obviously, we're all on Instagram. We all I'm not saying we're good about not being on it. But I do think like you said, more people are what they call a grandma hobbies, like people pointing and playing mahjong and playing backgammon and Pinterest to learn how to sew. Like, I just feel like, at least a lot of

15:44people, I'm my demographic and audience. And I see a lot more of that, which makes sense that people are on these other platforms. And I think all that's to say is just Instagram is important. Like you said, it's your website. I say it's like your business card, like it kind of has to exist. I want it to look nice. But in terms of effort reward, like maybe it makes more sense to work with designers or do things in person or go to those platforms like Pinterest where people are. Yeah, and I feel like photography, right? So just making sure that because it's just a split few seconds that the buyer or viewer is looking at Instagram to see what you're making the photos

16:19just need to be very environment or crisp. And just I think it's so important to have one to two photos of your not just a still shot of your work, right? So to have it can be still shot, but to also show it environment mocked up somewhere. I think that's so important for Instagram because it's like people are just, they look at it for 10 minutes real fast through their stories. And it's like, if it's not going to capture them or captivating and they're worth it. I like a little test I do before posting stuff is just, or not even for posting when I'm on social

16:56media, if I ever have something that stops me, I'm like, why did this catch my attention? Was it because it was styled really beautifully? Was it educational? Was it funny? Was it important? Like there's a million different ways something can stop you. But whether that's like, you know, clicking through stories or scrolling or whatever. It's kind of rare, which is really sad that like something actually like catches our attention. So when something does, especially if I actually click through and go to somebody's page, I'm like, why did it, why? And I know that's like kind of a deeper question, but sometimes there is like, okay, what about this was interesting to me? And is there

17:28something from that that I can take into my own brand? Because you're right. Like, I think if you have a bunch of, like, I think it's better to have some really good, crisp, amazing photos and videos once a week than like a bunch of crappy photos every day. Like, cause that's not going to catch anyone's attention. Yeah, a hundred percent. I think he does a really great job. And I love, I just absolutely love his work is I read Andrew Howard interior design. He's out of Jacksonville and he always posts like a very funny comment about his son or just something that just really

18:00kind of captivates his audience. And then he shows, okay, I just redesigned this space and tags his assistants and stuff. So I think that's something unique. And I think Instagram is like circles back to kind of everything we just were talking about relating to that. I think Instagram is becoming more and more of a platform where your audience can get to know you versus I feel like people are buying from you from like a Pinterest or from in person. Like, I feel like I'm almost like, can I show a little bit more of like who I am and my personality or like my thoughts behind

18:31something on Instagram? And then, you know, you like nurture your audience that eventually they might buy from you on another platform or like on your website or in person in the show. It's a different way. I'm thinking about it, but I'm just not seeing personally as many sales directly through Instagram. It's more like people being like, Oh my gosh, like I saw that video. I know you are like, I recognize your dog or whatever. Well, I want to shift gears a little bit and talk about your

Lampshades and Partnerships

18:53lampshades. Cause that's something that I think is just so amazing that you're doing. Can you kind of walk us through like, where did this idea come from? How did they take off? So it's a funny, so I, so Edgar Reeves, I've partnered with Edgar Reeves. So Edgar Reeves lighting is in Atlanta. They're in ADAC, which is off Petrie Hills. So in Buckhead area, and they've been there for years. So they only sell lampshades and they sell fabric or they work with a fabric designer to also build them. And I was in there shopping and one of the store owners was like,

19:24you know, a lot of, and speaking of this kind of ties back to working with designers and making sure we have photos. She was like, a lot of our photos that we use for Instagram have your art in the background. So, you know, a lot of them are like a beautiful table with one, one lampshade and then, you know, 48 inch piece of art or something. So I was like, Oh, that's fantastic. Like, can you send me those? So then we started just chatting and she was like, I have several lampshades that weren't, you know, we either discontinued or we can't sell right now. Would you like to just test out

19:58painting on them? And I immediately was like, I don't think there's no way that won't work. Like, you know, like I'm thinking like pleated lampshades and this is just a disaster. No way. But I went ahead and was like, sure, great. I'll take them. They sat in my studio for probably four to five months because I just didn't have an idea for them yet. You know, and then I guess it's like, yeah, this happened last year. So, you know, the more I just kind of researched the

20:28materials that they're made of and I did a few samples, like it was something that was just so exciting to me. Like once I did that first one, it was, I was just blown away because the material is perfect for paint. It's mainly, you know, linen or silk and it really just took off. So I did a few samples for clients for a few friends. And then we just started talking and, you know, she was like, let's have these in store and see how they do. So they've been in store in her space for, I would

21:02say three or four months and it's done great. The reaction is amazing. It's interesting because I envisioned it, you know, painting the lampshades, they were sold just like art, but it is a very, it's a functional item, right? So people come in just buying one or two and that's it. So they want it to make sure it's perfect and custom. So I've been doing a lot of commissions or custom lampshades. So that's how it's kind of spin into, I still have several for sale there, but it's really

21:33turned into, you know, just creating like, again, working with designers and creating designs on lampshades for them. So based on fabric and it's, yeah, it's going really well. And the funny, I think my latest one, which is hilarious is that we wanted to have a white Lotus theme. So there was a scene in white Lotus where it was in Thailand season three and there's bamboo and there's birds. And again, very outside of my, you know, normal style of painting out of my comfort level,

22:06but it, it has been so fun and they turned out amazing and they're supposed to be featured in a magazine later this year. So it's been great. I've really enjoyed it. And Edgar Reeves is this amazing partner to work with. So yeah, it's been fun. Well, it's such a natural extension of like, obviously one, your brand art, all that. But I also think it just makes so much sense right now. Cause I feel like I'm seeing trends moving towards more like maximalists and like, we're not just seeing like all white walls, white lampshades, white lamps, white rugs. People want like

22:38everything to be curated and like everything's like be well designed and colorful. And so I feel like it just lends itself. Like we're at such a perfect time for like, not that lampshades have never been popular, but I just feel like I'm like right now, this just makes so much sense. So I just love that idea. Thank you. Yeah. And I feel like it's pretty unique. Like I haven't found anybody in Atlanta that's been doing this. And I also feel like it's, you know, as I've been working with people, maybe they don't want to invest in a big piece of art or maybe they're not ready or art

23:08because art, you know, tends to be kind of the last on the list when you're designing your room. So I do feel like this is like a functional piece of artwork that they can have and bring home and start with that. So yeah. Yeah. I love it. It gives them the same. I don't know. I feel like it would give the same feeling. It's like, okay, I can't buy like the huge piece on my wall yet, but I still have this like really like amazing bespoke piece that's in my house and fun and colorful. And I love that.

Challenges and Future Plans

23:32Thank you. Well, what have been some challenges up to this point, building your business since 2018 ish or so that you've dealt with, overcome or still dealing with, you know, what are different challenges you faced? Yeah, I think, yeah, I guess I would touch on still to that, to the different platforms, you know, exploring like outside of Instagram. Right. So I think for me, I still need to, to explore TikTok or see if that's an outlet for me or Pinterest or Etsy. So I still struggle with

24:03that. So what I was going to say is I think from, as far as struggles, I do feel like in the beginning, you know, it was all about finding my style, right? So it was all about finding my style, being consistent, making, you know, connections and networking with clients and designers. I do feel like I, I didn't talk so much about myself or my process ever. And I do feel like, you know, being, I was mainly in an online gallery through Liza Pruitt. And then I had other galleries that I

24:36didn't really have to do that. Right. I just kind of, you know, passed it on to the gallery's responsibility. So I think as the last few years, since I've been doing shows, I've really realized that the more that I talk about my process and talk about me or my background, it really lends itself to sales and just building this connection with others. So I really would like to focus more and like just talking about, you know, inspiration or background of a piece, or even like the materials I

25:09use, you kind of just get in this habit of, okay, here's a 40 by 48 for sale. That's it. Here's an object, you know, but if you, I feel like you really have to truly talk about how long it took you to get there or materials you've used, or what's your inspiration or here. And like we said, going back to showing inspo photos. So I've, I've worked really struggled with that and I'm working on it. I think that's so important to, to make sure you, you truly talk about yourself and you know, where your piece came from. So. Yeah. Well, and I think, I just think I always want to support people

25:41that I feel like I know. And I feel like if you can tell more of that story and people can buy into you, you know, or different aspects of like your inspiration that they find interesting, it's so much easier for you to then be top of mind one. And then two, also, I don't know, I just like to support people that I feel like I have some kind of relationship with, even if it's through, you know, social media or whatever. So I think that's a really good goal. Right. And I also feel like in the age of, you know, everything is, is mass produced, right. Or AI. And I just feel like

26:12people, like I said, really still want original artwork and want to know where it's made and where it comes from. And so I think it's so important to, yeah, to really lean into that. Definitely. I completely agree. Well, let's switch gears to the positive. What have been some successes that you have kind of seen? Yeah. So like I said, I feel like, you know, it might not sound like a big success, but I still feel like attending, you know, these shows that, you know, there's tends to be

26:43over 300 to 400 applications. You know, I truly feel like it's a win when, when you're accepted to those. So last year was my first time doing the Harding show in Nashville, the Loyola show and Mobile. And then I'll plan to do those as well. And then I also have an upcoming show in New York. It's in Chappaqua, which is the cutest little town, a few hours from the city with Bentley Jane. So she owns a really cute design shop there. And I'll be doing that in April. I think just creating

27:14those relationships and being able to show my work outside of galleries in Atlanta is a huge success to me. I also had a feature in the Atlanta homes and lifestyle magazine. And I was partnered with that Brown painting. It is amazing what these designers do. You just do not ever envision your piece looking in this space that it's just, it still blows my mind. So that was with Mandy Lowry. She's an interior designer out of Charleston and have another upcoming feature with Kelly

27:46Neely. She's based in Birmingham. Yes. Birmingham. She's an interior designer and I will be featured in Lux magazine in March for a project that was outside of Jupiter, Florida. So I'm really excited for that. Yeah, those are huge. Those are amazing. And like more perks of working with designers, which we love. What is on the horizon for 2026? So definitely more lampshades. That is my goal. So I think product diversity for me is huge. I feel like I want to explore. I've always dabbled in paper and canvas, but I think expanding lampshades or even beyond that, like in textiles

28:22is something I really want to do. And I enjoy it. Honestly, the lampshade is so unique. I still crack up that I was so stumped for months about what to do. And then I also feel like I really want to get into exploring commercial space. Like I feel like everybody's going back to the office or at least the corporate world is trying to get everybody to come back. Right. And these offices feel so sterile and just not lived in. So I feel like there is a space in that area to have real original art.

29:00So that is one of my goals this year to kind of dabble and do more research in that. Yeah. I mean, it could be really interesting to see what types of designers are working to design like some few and far between, but there are some like interesting and well-designed corporate spaces. And so it'd be cool to work with someone or even someone who's like a residential person, but like works together to make them feel homier. Cause I'm with you. I feel like most corporate spaces are so like, Oh, like, I don't want to feel like I'm going to like, I don't know, like my dentist's office every day when I'm going to work, which should also be

29:34better. But I kind of feel like it's like, you go in and you're like, this is sterile. This is not great. And like, everything's gray, white. It's like, if we're spending the majority of our time there, let's not make it horrible. So yeah, I think that's a great idea and definitely an open space that I think is completely being neglected. That's definitely on my to-do list. I love that. Well, I love to end every episode with just like a lesson or a tip or something that you could share with other artists. Does anything come to mind? I still want to just repeat that tip on photos. Like I do feel like for every still photo that you post of, you know, a piece of art,

30:09whether it's paper or a canvas ornament, whichever it is, I do feel like for every one photo, there should be two more of an environment, you know, a detailed shot. I just think that's, that's a huge. And like you'd said earlier, just to me, that captures your attention, right? When you see something like of oil stick smudge or gold foil or just something ceramic on canvas, I just feel like when you really show the detail in addition to an environment, I think that that's huge. So

30:41that would be my tip. Yeah, I think that's great. Really good tip. Well, thank you so much for your time today. Can you share how everyone can learn more about you, follow you, all that stuff? Yes. Yes. So my Instagram is at Lindsay Von Art. And then I am my website is also lindsayvonart.com. But I have work at Stellar's Gallery in Ponte Vedra, Liza Pruitt Online. And then I'm also featured at Bella Vito, which is a design store in Memphis and Nashville. Well, thank you so much for your time today. This was great. So informative. So helpful to talk to you.

31:15Thank you so much. I appreciate it.