Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hardy.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, I’m Stephanie Hardy, a digital artist and animator with over 5 years of experience freelancing. I’ve worked with small start ups, I sell my designs on POD sites, and I run an Etsy shop. My goal is to create artwork and animations that bring hope and happiness into a busy, stressful world.
I have always had a passion for drawing, taking art throughout school and then getting an associate’s degree in computer animation. I love creating whimsical worlds and characters. Being able to bring my art to life is so much fun! I started freelancing in 2020 on Upwork. I love getting to work from home with clients from all over the world. I’ve animated for YouTube channels, created logos and character mascots for small businesses, and I even illustrated a children’s book that’s published in the Netherlands!
I can’t wait to see where my art takes me next!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I don’t think anything ever is. Freelancing has its ups and downs. You can be busy one week and then, the next you’re looking for your next project. It’s important to have multiple income streams for this reason. I’m still trying to make a good living doing this, learning, growing, and trying new things. As a shy person, putting myself and my work out there is scary, but it’s the only way for people to find me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in cute-kawaii characters with charming personalities and happy vibes. My art style is simple and cartoony. It’s perfect for the young and the young at heart. I believe that growing up doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what you did as a kid. I’m most proud of the children’s book I illustrated, Lientje Leeuw, because not only was it a dream of mine to illustrate a children’s book, but I love that the book teaches kids about different eye disabilities and that everyone sees differently. I’ve also animated videos for Pancake Pop on YouTube. They teach Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to children. It’s amazing to see my art and characters used to help educate kids all over the world. Not only am I creating these fun, cute characters, but they are making an impact in the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is creating something that inspires or creates happiness for others. It’s such a good feeling when someone’s eyes light up from seeing your work or they learn something new from it. Creating a moment for someone, who may have been having a rough day, to smile for a second. To bring more goodness into the world. That’s why I do what I do.
Pricing:
- Animations: $45 an hour (fixed prices also available)
- Commissions: Starting at $25
- Tshirts, stationary, & more available in my online shops
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephaniehardy.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penguinfreaksh3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenguinFreakSH3
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-hardy-60ab1746/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/penguinfreaksh3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@penguinfreaksh3
- Other: https://linktr.ee/penguinfreaksh3
