Belinda Lindhardt is a coloured pencil artist, illustrator and designer.

Belinda shares the business behind her original, beautiful artworks and design services at belindalindhardt.com.au

Belinda, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
I have always enjoyed painting, drawing and being creative. Many times I would see art and illustration about and I would think, I could do that or I wish I could do that, so one day I decided WHY can’t you? I put away the excuses and decided that I was going to give it a go.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?
I like being creative and I like creating solutions for clients;  I truly think that a picture tells a thousand words. I once had a lady tell me that one of my paintings resembled something her grandmother had and she had wonderful memories everytime she looked at my artwork. This was such an inspiration– the enjoyment a painting or illustration can bring into people’s lives. I love the fact that I am giving that gift whenever someone owns one of my artworks.

What sets belindalindhardt.com.au apart?
My style and ideas are obviously different to everyone else’s;  it’s a subjective, personal preference.
I have two areas of my business– the artwork side which is artwork for walls/prints, then I also have artwork and illustration side which provides illustrations and artworks for use in the products and marketing materials of other businesses. I have over 13 years in the graphic/web design industry, so I have a very good understanding about the production process, software and collaborating graphics with other elements. So this distinguishes me from others who just focus on the art side. 

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
Most difficult part for me is making sure I dedicate the time I need on business development to the artworks, in addition to other personal things like kids, family life and so on. It’s a constant juggling act.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
This part of my business is relatively new–  previously I have concentrated on the graphic design side of my business, so the illustration and artwork side is still something I am moving towards.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I love creating, I love being able to work from home and I love being able to be flexible in my day and my work. I cant  be creative 100% of the time, so I enjoy having my hands on the other aspects going along with running a business.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
I have been a member of the Business Mums Network for a number of years, attending their conferences for the past two years. They have been a tremendous support and inspiration of fabulous women. Also been a member of local art societies (Central Coast Art Society) which has been wonderful for networking with local artists as well as attending local sketch groups as well as international art organisations and online communities.

What are your future goals for your illustration & design venture?
Short-term, future goals are to increase my portfolio and catalogue and grow business in this area. Also hope that with that will come some art licensing and illustration opportunities as well as increasing my exposure as an artist for my artworks. I also have a few ideas for books and wish to expand into more prints/ greeting cards. One of my long term goals is to increase the awareness of coloured pencil artworks and artists in Australia and connect them together.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Listen to yourself, listen to others, and be willing to learn, but remember what works for someone else might not work for you and your business, so be prepared to review yourself and your business regularly. Keep in mind though, that you can’t do it all you want a business not a job! (Something i am still learning myself)