Artist Spotlight - Lacey Hennessey

Artist Name: Lacey Hennessey

Artist IG: Lacey Hennessey (@lacey_does) • Instagram photos and videos

Artist FB: Lacey Does Facebook

Artist Website: See what LACEY DOES | Traveling Artist

Artist LinkedIn: Lacey Hennessey | LinkedIn

Artist location/country: Greenville, SC USA

When did you first know you were a creative person?

As a child (age 6-10) I was an actress, scoring televised commercials out of New York City and landing print jobs in magazines. So, I’ve always had a flare for the arts. In high school I took as many art classes as they allowed, mostly ceramics, but “back then” (2000) the mentality of “starving artist” was still very much a thing. There was no such thing as social media. So, I was doing it for pure enjoyment. Then at college I started gaining tracking with some income, but still mainly a hobby.

How did your creative journey start?

In 2004, I ‘flew south’ to Clemson University in South Carolina. Facebook had just hit the internet and I was asked out by a guy to go to his fraternity mountain weekend. I quickly learned that as a date, you were ‘required’ to paint a plastic cooler (the top and each side) with all your date’s favorite hobbies and fill it with his favorite ‘drinks’ for the weekend. Luckily, I had artistic ability and enjoyed it. Other girls noticed and started paying me to do theirs, as well. They would leave a list of what they wanted and a check inside. I now had extra beer money 😊 Win-Win.

I was sitting in accounting class one day (a class I wish I had paid more attention to now) and a kid next to me said, “You should put all your pictures of the coolers you have done on Facebook. They have business pages” – “what should I call it” – “Hennessey In The Home,” he said, and so I did. And a business was born. Though I still wouldn’t call it one for 12 more years (then later rebrand!).

Did you receive a formal art education, or are you self-taught?

All self-taught. I joke I got a masters education from YouTube University!

What is the most significant challenge you've faced as an artist to date?

Finding my voice and getting comfortable talking about money. But once I did I was off to the races! And now LOVE to teach others how to do it comfortably themselves. It would save so much time if we were all more open about money.

One worry or wobble you still have about being an artist?

Longevity! Murals are physically taxing for one, and second, our industry is constantly changing and sometimes it feels like once you get the hang of one skill, you must learn the next new thing (AI and VR headsets for example).

Do you feel you have a distinct style to your art?

I do! But clients love working with me for my adaptability. Where you’ll notice I often take a whimsical approach, using lots of color and bold lines, I also have the ability to stretch my skills into different mediums and vibes, dependent on the goals of the project.

How has your style evolved?

I am known for my efficiency, and it has to do a lot with my style. My outlines help with speed, as they are the last to go down which helps bring the artwork together in the end. It’s the “make it pop” everyone always ask for. It wasn’t always the case, but as I continued to create, I found I married efficiency with design.

Who/What are your biggest artistic influences?

I love Ashley Longshore. Her art is loud, bold, colourful and a true reflection of her personality, and I hope people feel the same about mine.

Can you describe your typical creative process from concept to completion?

I’m a list gal. I start by interviewing my client and identifying their goals. Both visual and financial and I make a list of every must have, then take all that feedback and create a concept adding in my own elements to make it all come together. I always end up doing research. Whether its of the area, or background on the business, the concept itself, I’m googling. I’m pulling photos and drawing inspiration from that feedback. Then I head to my iPad and use Procreate to the digital design and I always create it to-scale so when its time to paint, I can toss the image up on the wall with a projector. I like to work smarter not harder. This helps with speed. Then I joke it’s one giant colouring book after I lay down the outlines. 1-2 days later, on average, you have a brand new, beautiful wall!

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

The click! So much ends up on the cutting room floor that when the design pieces finally fit together like a puzzle, its such a relief. Very much an A HA! Moment.

One piece of advice that's really helped you in your career, that you can pass on.

Don’t listen to them. Anyone. Don’t sell to friends and family. They all want a discount and the people who warn you of the risks are usually the ones that don’t dream big enough themselves. Follow your gut and know that it is all up to YOU to make it happen. It’s a lot of work, but the reward is beautiful!

One mural design you want to manifest to paint in 2025?

Hint: A movie mural. That’s all I can say. I have the most epic design in my head just dying to come out for the perfect client. It’s going to happen.

Thanks to Lacey for taking the time to answer my Q’s for the blog.

See you soon

Kate & Norman x