Check Out Abigail Powers’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Powers

Hi Abigail, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The first chapter of my career was dedicated to teaching art to middle and high school students. While I cherished watching my students create, by 2019, I felt it was time for a new direction. This led me to transition from teaching to working for a yearbook company. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, my entire division was laid off, and for the first time in my life, I found myself without a job.

During the stay-at-home order, I turned inward and reconnected with my own art practice. Establishing a daily creative routine became a source of comfort and fulfillment, something my soul needed. Throughout 2020, I immersed myself in drawing and painting as a way to navigate the long days at home. What started as a personal journey of self-expression quickly blossomed into a thriving business. Today, I balance my time between working in my home studio on graphic design projects for various companies and creating original watercolor and pen & ink paintings.

Now that creativity fills my weeks, I draw inspiration from nature, music, and writing. My work is bright and cheerful, and I hope it brings a smile to those who see it. Many of my pieces are designed to add a pop of color to any space, enhancing the beauty of a home.

During the warm summer months, you can find me showcasing my work at local art shows like Plymouth’s Art in the Park, Ann Arbor Art Fair, and Milford Memories, among many others. When I’m not at shows, I spend my time painting, working on graphic design projects for emerging companies, illustrating children’s books, teaching classes at the local art center, and completing commissioned pieces.

You can explore my work through several platforms: my website, Etsy, and Faire for wholesale orders. For the latest news and artwork, follow me on Instagram or visit abigailleighdesigns.com. I look forward to meeting everyone at an upcoming show!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Can starting a new business ever be completely smooth? I doubt it. Challenges are inevitable. My journey is no exception. While I may know a thing or two about art, running a business was entirely new territory for me. Over the past three years, instead of telling my kids to get off YouTube, I found myself turning to it daily to navigate the path to success.

I’ve had to learn and master everything—from QuickBooks and social media to inventory tracking. And then there are the smaller details, like how to ship and package artwork, and everything in between. It’s been a bumpy road, to say the least. My best advice, as cliché as it sounds, is to keep going. You might not know it all right now, but every day you learn a little more that helps you move forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business has two main facets: watercolor painting and graphic design. When these two areas intersect, they create meaningful and impactful art. My original paintings and commissioned pieces are created with tube watercolors and finished with black pen and ink, giving them a fresh, vibrant look. My goal is always to create work that brings a smile to people’s faces.

The other side of my business involves working as a graphic designer for local, up-and-coming businesses. I help them develop marketing materials such as logos, flyers, posters, and more. I love the challenge of arranging elements on a page and finding the perfect fit. Bringing a business’s vision to life is an incredibly rewarding process.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, absolutely. My business was born during the pandemic, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that when you’re doing what you love, it doesn’t feel like work. This journey started with me simply returning to painting, one of my earliest passions.

I often tell people it feels almost like I stumbled into this—what began as a childhood love for creative expression naturally evolved into a business. I now work harder and longer than ever before, but 90% of the time, it doesn’t feel like work. Taking the time to slow down and reflect was crucial in helping me make this transition. Essentially. Covid 19 shaped my path forward.

Pricing:

• Prints $17.50 – $35.50
• Hand Towel $18
• Stickers $4
• Greeting card packs $15.50-17.50
• Golf towels $19.50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.abigailleighdesigns.com
• Instagram: @abigailleighdesigns
• Facebook: Abigail Leigh Designs