Today we’d like to introduce you to Josie Halbrooks.
Hi Josie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Hartselle, Alabama. I stayed there up until I was 14 and have been in Hohenwald, Tennessee ever since. I’m apart of a beautiful blended family. I’m the oldest of 6 kids, not including our two dogs and chickens lol. I also will be getting married this May to history teacher and football coach Dylan Crews.
I have always been artistic as long as anyone can remember. My parents and the school system I grew up in helped my creative drive. I wanted to either be an artist, softball player, or singer. I gave my all to each hobby. I was a part of anything from talent shows, to a gifted program, to art contests, to league and travel ball.
When people ask how did I learn to draw or paint, I usually can’t answer. I didn’t ever have to practice hard because it’s like I knew how. I would check out the drawing books in the library and skip the “how to” part and flip to the end picture and draw from that. I never took an art class till middle school and even then my teacher let me teach others in my class. I don’t notice people watching me create work now because I always had people or students hovering to see what I was doing next. It was like that up to when I moved and had art as an elective in high school. I honestly began noticing my own work by others’ amazement.
In high school, softball wasn’t able to be carried with me, so I began playing tennis instead. I still had talent shows and joined choir but I focused more on an artistic career since it seemed to be most realistic. I took an elective at TCAT Hohenwald my senior year and graduated for graphic design early in college. Since graduated, I began leading worship and have made all types of artwork for people. I never had to really advertise my work because word of small town mouth took care of that. I learned to price better for myself as I went.
During the quarantine shutdown, my stepdad was pushing me to find a good job out of college. It was difficult for jobs at the time. Before this, I worked in BBQ for 3 years, took on being a tennis assistant coach for a season, and subbed for 1 year at Lewis County Schools. I knew if I got a job on top of my work, then all of the projects people had requested would have to be turned down. So, my fiancé helped me create my own business from this. It’s been blessings after blessings since.
Now, I’m shooting photography, painting live, making graphics for logos and shirts, and multiple counties that surround want murals painted on their businesses.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel that the road is not meant to be smooth or else we would lose appreciation for the easy ride. I am probably my own obstacle most times. If it’s not me then it’s the pressure of expectations so that I avoid being run over on my own road. We all should also love our jobs if we’re gonna do it a long time. It’s about how strong we want to. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without self discipline and my close others support. God has only given me this one life and it’s mine to give back to Him.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My specialties are in photography, live event painting, graphic design, murals, and regular multimedia canvas work. I’ve found that I don’t exactly have a certain style of art because I’ve always only replicated work or photos created by others’ requests but I want to begin to get back to more creative freedom.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: josie_h_design
- Facebook: JH Design
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