What Makes Lissa's Work So Dreamy?

Our first artist feature is no stranger to The Good Canvas. When we announced these monthly features, she was without a surprise, ALL IN! Her enthusiasm for her craft and her business made her a thrilling first feature because it's not just her work that draws attention, but her dedication and love for what she does, which is clear in absolutely every detail of her work is what makes her an inspiration to the small business creative world.

Lissa's photography is like stepping into another time and place. Her shots are carefully articulated to capture the really natural, inherent beauty in the world and her love of travel take you away with her on her adventures. She dedicates time in her business to get to know a place and is constantly prioritizing the things in life that mean the most to her.

We think you will find her work not only relatable but nostalgic and filled with romance, beauty and curiosity.

Here's our chat with Lissa!

The Good Canvas: Hi Lissa, give the readers a little bio!

Lissa: I'm a photographer, artist, wife, mother, traveler and educator. I am inspired by the soft pastel light of sunrise, the Old World charm of Europe & the salt marshes of the Low Country. 

I live with my husband, two boys and dog Sophie in North Carolina. I'm happiest with a cup of coffee in hand enjoying a sunrise stroll along the Seine with my Husband, because Paris is always a great idea. 

The Good Canvas: What do you create?

Lissa: I create serene, romantic and ethereal film photos of my travel and everyday moments.

The Good Canvas: Have you always been creative? Do you remember the time when you decided that creativity was going to be your career?

Lissa: I’ve been creative since I was small, always drawing or painting and of course had a camera in my hand since i was 8

The Good Canvas: When did creating become a regular part of your life? What do you create today?

Lissa: I married young and didn’t create as much until our boys started playing sports. That’s when I got more serious and I loved capturing the little moments in the dugout or between plays. I pivoted away from sports and seniors after my Lupus and POTS diagnosis. We love to travel so that was the natural next step in  my creative journey. I switched back to film as I love the slow process and the way it captures the light and moment. s

The Good Canvas: What were the challenges you faced during the beginning of your creative journey?

Lissa: My biggest challenge in the beginning was charging for my time.  I loved capturing my sons team and offered images for free, later on started charging but still not my worth

The Good Canvas: Do you have a studio? What’s it like?

Lissa: I have a home office/studio in our spare bedroom. It’s a small but light filled space and full to the brim with books and art supplies. I’m so inspired by the masters like Monet, Degas, Vivian Mayer and love having these nearby.

The Good Canvas: Are you a full- or part-time artist? Do you sell your creations? What platform do you use or would recommend to other artists just starting out?

Lissa: I’m a full-time artist (is there a over-time option?) I sell prints, vintage framed pieces, and notebooks. I mostly sell on my website and Instagram.

The Good Canvas: How has being an artist/maker impacted your life, especially as a woman?

Lissa: Being creative is a necessity in my daily life. I don’t think I could have a full and joyful life without it. It lets me express myself and share beautiful parts of the world so many will never get to experience. As  a woman this is so important to me, we can lose ourselves in our predetermined roles of Mother, Wife, or our Profession. We are and can be so much more! 

The Good Canvas: On any given day, what is your studio schedule like? Do you follow a routine? Do you have any rituals?

Lissa: This is something I’m working on to improve, I do not have a schedule or routine and it’s not working. I do have a few rituals of lighting my peppermint migraine candle and playing calm music, I sometimes will read for inspiration before starting anything. I work on the floor when I ‘m creating my framed collections so I can see it all laid out.

The Good Canvas: How do you overcome creative blocks? Do you have a go-to exercise for jumpstarting your creativity?

Lissa: I have found that filling my cup with other creative things helps with a creative block. I enjoy watching cinematic movies, reading books, trying my hand at painting, emulsion lifts and my biggest one is meeting up with other creatives especially on retreats.. I also love getting out in nature, or traveling, it always jumpstarts my creativity.

The Good Canvas: Where do you look for inspiration?

Lissa: So many things, Light is my biggest one, I love capturing the light. Art books and travel are also a big inspiration for me.

The Good Canvas: What are some of the greatest challenges you have faced as a creative online? Do you have certain suggestions for how to run a creative business?

Lissa: Selling prints  online have  been a challenge. Vintage has seen a huge surge so I started sourcing Vintage and antique frames for my art.  Collaborating with other artist and shops has also helped with my creative business, especially on Instagram.

The Good Canvas: Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur? What things make it evident for you?

Lissa: Funny enough, I’m not sure I do consider myself an entrepreneur, I stink at business.

The Good Canvas: How do you maintain an entrepreneurial spirit when you’re creating? What things are non-negotiables in order to sustain your business?

Lissa: I’m finally arriving at knowing I need boundaries, a budget, a routine to make this sustainable financially and mentally.

The Good Canvas: What advice would you give to other creatives that are maybe struggling to find time, space or waiting for a studio or even those that have started, perhaps from their dining room tables?

Lissa: You can create anywhere! I would always tell myself…I’ll start when xyz….I’ll be more successful when xyz….I’ll learn more when xyz…No just start! The rest will come in time.

The Good Canvas: What would you like to share about your work? And where can readers learn more about you and your business?

Lissa: As creatives we have so many passions, and film photography is just one of many for me. And as they all relate to each other in some way, I wanted to create a singular place where I can provide content that ventures into the world of creative expression, photography, decor, travel, learning and a lit of personal stuff, so I started a blog. It's not overly dense but when I travel, I get inspired to write as well so I've created a space for that.

You'll also find updates about new collections, my artistic process and inspiration there. I'll be posting regularly to keep you up to date. If you want to read a bit more about my, my journey and how I got here, head there!