Today we’d like to introduce you to Brieanne Hauger.
Brieanne, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was hired by Cowpainters as an illustrator over ten years ago. I had moved to Chicago in 2004 to pursue a Ph.D. in Art History at the University of Illinois in Chicago and found myself feeling driven toward creative work rather than academic. I have a BFA in painting and drawing from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and have always maintained my own creative practice, primarily as a painter but also other media.
Before I lived in Chicago, Pittsburgh was my home for many years, where I worked for a couple of arts organizations learning the business side of not for profits. It turns out that Cowpainters is an excellent fit for my experience and skills, and I have enjoyed my work and expanded my role quite a bit as I learned better ways to communicate our design and production process with our clients. I am now in the process of buying the business from the current owner, Chris O’Brien.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always challenges! One of my major roles in life is “problem solver”. It never fails to surprise me what factors can arise as obstacles. Navigating complicated situations takes a great team. Learning curves are bumpy, and it seems like there’s always something to learn. I try to take the view that growth is positive, even if it comes with some pains.
On a personal level, this is true as a parent and spouse and artist, but it’s also true on a professional level.
The last few years have had some interesting new opportunities that required a lot of learning. One of them was handling international shipping issues. Finding the right shipping partner took time. Another was creating a giant stag for the Hartford and dealing with structural engineers and all the requirements for such a project–and again, the right partners and team members really came through with a fantastic end result. But I do think I got a few extra grey hairs.
Cowpainters – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Cowpainters specializes in the design and supply of fiberglass and resin statuary, primarily for public art projects. We also supply custom images for museum displays, landscape design, interior design, and signage.
We work with cities and other non-profit organizations across the country to help organize fund-raising events featuring our fiberglass forms. From our opening in late 1999, we have been involved in more than 575 public art events. In addition to the forms, we also provide our clients with valuable consultation services, such as our Tips & Tricks© booklet that helps project organizers manage the process efficiently from start to finish. Our “Prep & Painting Tips”© for artists and our unique Artists’ Hotline assures that local artists get the expert technical guidance they need.
We are proud to be women-owned and operated and are fortunate to have created over 250 custom images exclusive to Cowpainters.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Beyond the basic needs of life, I feel most successful when I have the mental energy to tap into the creative flow. Because that sense of flow comes during periods of peace and stability, this means that the other parts of my life are not too stressful. I suppose this might be another way of talking about balance.
I find that it is the creative flow, the engender feelings of success beyond balance–a connection to a greater good, a sense of meaningfulness, and the generation of positive outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Address: Cowpainters
4426 N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago IL 60640 - Website: www.cowpainters.com
- Phone: 773 525 5720
- Email: info@cowpainters.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cow.painters.1
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