In 2022, I created my design business, Girls With Boys Names Design.
Girls With Boys Names Design logo
I saw a hole in the creative community in the Treasure Valley area: simple ways for people to get artwork of themselves. In bigger cities or events there are caricature portraits, but they can be unflattering, expensive, and time-consuming. And more importantly, there weren't any available in the Boise area consistently.
As an experiment, I sat outside the Basque Block in Boise with two foldable chairs, a clipboard, a Sharpie, and a foam board sign selling $3 portraits.
My first outing in Boise selling portraits in 2022. Note the foldable chairs from my own patio and the cardboard sign (haha)
I was received incredibly well! I got numerous compliments expressing what a good idea it was and how it was something the Boise area was missing. People were so ecstatic to receive a charming little memento of their weekend for a good price and very timely. That's when I decided to continue with this venture and continue growing beyond just street vendoring, but to fairs and conventions as well.
Since then, GWBN Design has grown to selling portraits in the Boise area on Saturday mornings (typically you can find me in between the Grove Plaza and Stella's Ice Cream) vending stickers and art through the Treasure Valley. As I continue to grow and expand this endeavor, I will continue to create new products and keep providing the community a little piece of artwork that they can take home and cherish.
June 10th 2023, my first craft fair booth at the Super Summer Craft Fair held at the Nampa Flying M Coffee Garage
Photo credit: Justine Hunter Photography
Photo credit: Justine Hunter Photography
Below are some examples of portraits I have done and will upload more as I continue to draw portraits in the Treasure Valley area.
Stickers
In addition to mini-portraits, GWBN Design also sells stickers and art prints. These items are available on weekends, through market fairs, as well as online on my Etsy shop which can be found here
