Meet Ansley McLeod | Artist & Interior Designer

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

Hi Ansley, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I had always wanted my work to be my life. It’s not that I wanted to be a workaholic, I just wanted to love and be passionate about my work because I knew how much of my life it would take up. I also naively thought it would be this perfect reflection of me and my worth, but as much as I love what I do, separation from it is also extremely important. After taking my business full time four years ago, I finally see how necessary it is for me to have stricter boundaries with my work schedule. The flexibility that comes with having your own business is great, but being able to work whenever and wherever is also a challenge; you have to get really serious with your time management or there will be no work-life balance. I find it’s crucial to have space from the things I love in order to come back to them feeling energized, inspired, and with new perspectives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the center of my business is the relationship I have with my clients. In addition to creating the artwork itself, building that relationship is my favorite part of what I do. With each client’s story as my muse, I aim to capture the uniqueness and beauty of their home or wedding in each watercolor painting. I really love using delicate colors with enchanting and whimsical nature elements.

I think what sets me apart from others is my passion for individual expression and my dedication to making the commission process a tailored and magical experience. My belief is that you are one of a kind and the heirloom piece we are designing together needs to reflect that. Also, my background in wellness coaching has fostered my love for connecting with people on a deeper level. The relationship I build with a client serves as the main source of inspiration for their painting.

It’s so funny reflecting on everything because starting a business was never on my radar. I only began to think about it when a friend commissioned me in 2018. I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, but not professionally, so that initial commission really got my wheels turning. Over the next couple years, on the side of my full-time job and grad school, I took on more commissions and even signed on to illustrate a children’s book. In the summer of 2020, I officially left my job and became a full-time artist and business owner.

My biggest hurdle through all of this has been getting over the expectation that there is a perfect job for me. For so long, I believed that a job that was so inherently me in every way existed, and that it would be this perfect reflection of myself and I would be completely fulfilled by it. Maybe some have achieved this, but it is no longer my goal; there is too much pressure associated with it. I absolutely love what I do and am so grateful to every client and to all who have supported me. I have just learned that there are so many things, in addition to a career, that add to an overall fulfilling life.

I completely pivoted my career four years ago, and I am so proud of how far I’ve come. It took consistent perseverance when there was a lot of doubt and imposter feelings. And of course, I couldn’t have persevered without the unconditional support of my husband and parents. I am very excited about the years ahead! I finally feel content with the path I am on, and am really enjoying the ride.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the unconditional support of my husband and my parents.

Website: https://ansleysart.com

Instagram: ansleysart

Image Credits
Tom Jessessky