Clever Mamma Profile: Ali J Art & Illustration

Our very first Clever Mamma to be profiled is the lovely Ali from Ali J Art & Illustration over in Western Australia. With a one-year-old little girl and a business offering illustration, graphic design, product design and business mentoring, she is also one busy mamma!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... I'm an artist, illustrator and graphic designer. I primarily paint artworks on top of vintage book pages on canvas. I love painting characters with red rosy cheeks. My artworks are dreamy, whimsical and invoke the imagination. My aim with the business is to allow anyone to access and enjoy my artwork. My artworks are reproduced onto products such as badges, greeting cards, prints and jewellery. Everything is created by hand in my studio. I also work for clients and companies creating artwork for CD's, T-shirts, books, magazines... anything you can think of really.

2. How did your business begin? Mid 2007 I had no job, no career prospects, no income and wasn't very happy. I started creating artwork for the first time in over four years and put it up on the internet to show to others. It started to sell, and I've just expanded it from there. It wasn't planned and I've learnt a lot along the way, but I'm loving the journey.

3. The bits I love... Seeing someone on the street wearing one of my artworks, or walking into a room and seeing it hung on a wall. Being able to talk and engage with people about what I create. I also really enjoy the process of creating. Each painting or illustration is full of secrets and has a part of my soul.

4. The bits I not-so-love... Paperwork. Cold days when I can't wake up. Sore wrists - an ongoing problem that makes it hard to paint.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? If you have a passion for something, go with it. Don't keep putting up excuses. Involve your children in your business, around your business or work out a plan on how you can balance both. Enjoy the experience as having a business can really help you cope with life in so many ways. Just make sure you are getting into it for the right reasons, and if making squillions of dollars is one of them turn around and walk away right now. Creating your own business should be a passion that you are willing to sink your heart, soul and time into. Just don't forget how to enjoy your family too.

6. Now the important stuff, Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake? Neither - not really a tea or cake kind of woman. Much happier with an icy glass of water & a fresh apple.

Thanks for letting us get to know you a little bit better Ali. To delve a little bit more into the world of Ali J Art & Illustration find her over on the brand new Clever Mamma Directory here... And remember to look out for more fabulous Clever Mamma profiles each week!