Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Rausch.
Tracey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have had a strong love of all things art as far back as I can remember. I painted my very first ‘mural’ in my grandparent’s bedroom when I was approximately 8 years old. I remember begging them to let me make their room beautiful. “You need lots and lots of little rainbows right over your bed’ I assured them. And they let me. They never painted over it, as silly as it may have looked. It is one of my fondest memories.
I painted my very first “real” mural 18 years ago in my daughter’s bedroom. We had purchased a home and the white walls were screaming at me to paint them. After the completion, I knew what I was destined to do. Painting murals made me feel like me. Many of our friends and neighbors came over to see my mural, and after some ‘old school’ advertising (hanging flyers in businesses) my mural business took off. I began painting in residential homes, mostly nurseries, and children’s bedrooms. Then a close friend of mine who worked for a fitness chain referred me to the owner, telling him all about the murals I paint. He hired me to paint the children’s play area in his gyms, and over the next couple of years I painted approximately 30 locations.
I also began painting custom furniture like small table sets and toy boxes to name a few, and even branched out to painting windows for businesses during the holidays. These days I am painting part time as the jobs come my way. I have 4 children and a full time job and have even begun designing and creating cakes as an extension of my creativity. As my children grow older, I plan to move back toward marketing and painting murals and custom furniture full time.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road I have traveled has had its obstacles. When I began painting I was married with three small children. I painted part time while my husband worked full time. Sometimes, I would bring my small children with me on painting jobs, which at times was quite a challenge in itself! About 2 years later I had another child, and it became a bit more difficult to care for 4 children and coordinate work schedules with my husband. About 6 years ago we moved to the northwest suburbs from the Plainfield area, and about a year later my husband and I divorced. It became a bit more difficult to pursue painting jobs on a regular basis, but I still do several a year along with holding a full time job with a local restaurant. My children are now 19, 17, 15, and 13. They inspire me every day, and actually encourage me to pursue my passion! As they grow and leave the nest, I plan on fully reviving my mural painting full time!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Murals By Tracey – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I design and paint custom murals for homes and businesses. I specialize in painting children’s bedrooms and daycares, but have also done faux finishes in several homes and custom artwork that is not child related. I work closely with my clients, from start to finish. I learn what they would like for their room, and provide them with a sketch and color consultation to match bedding or anything else they request. I am able to work within any budget they might have. No matter how big or small, I take great pride in being able to provide them with something beautiful they can enjoy for years! I talk to the child whose room I am designing, and try to incorporate their ideas as well. I feel it is very important to try to envision the mural through their eyes while in the design process. Children are so naturally creative and imaginative, and I do my best to pull that through into my artwork. It’s quite a rewarding job! I also design and paint custom furniture, and canvases upon request.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love how colorful our city is. Everywhere you look there is something different and beautiful to see. Whether it be all the different shapes and sizes and architectural styles of the buildings against the beautiful blue summer sky, or the diversity of the different people you see walking down the street or lounging on our beautiful beaches. There is always something beautiful and new to see. Chicago embraces difference and creativity.
While Chicago provides its citizens and visitors with a lot of low cost and free options for experiencing its culture, I’ve found that a lot of the venues and tours have become quite expensive, making it difficult for families to experience. We have world class museums and festivals, and it seems over time the cost to experience these has gone up exponentially. That to me is quite discouraging, along with Chicago and suburban schools cutting back on art education.
Contact Info:
- Address: Elk Grove Village, IL
- Website: www.muralsbytracey.com
- Phone: 815-503-1203
- Email: traceytpaints@yahoo.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/muralsbytracey
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
