Jane Gahng always knew she was meant to make beautiful things and inspire people. After working a series of less than fulfilling jobs, she left it all behind to start her company, Red Letter Day. Now she spends her days creating lovely things for lovely people, hosting workshops and motivating others to share their own personal views with the help of paints and brushes.
We’re so excited to have Jane hosting her Watercolor Basics workshop with us next month. Make sure to grab your tickets now because space is limited and this is one you definitely don’t want to miss!
My name is Jane Gahng and I am a JOLLY artist!
My craft of choice is watercolor painting & calligraphy and the earliest I can remember being engulfed in painting and drawing was in 4th grade.
I get my inspiration from my travels, working with other creatives and getting to work on fun projects.
My favorite supplies are my watercolor brushes from japan and a custom made calligraphy pen gifted from my boyfriend.
My favorite thing about crafting is the ability to let go of control and let the artwork come together as I paint. Sometimes the idea isn’t fully developed until I start working through the project.
What I love most about CraftJam is that (you) offer tons of different classes for people to explore.
In my spare time I like to embroider…I’m a grandma at heart.
My best tip for teaching someone a new craft is to let go! The more control you need to have with what you’re doing will inhibit you from picking up new things.
The best advice I’ve ever received is “Don’t second guess yourself.” Talent is something that is awesome to have, but passion is what drives the artwork forward.
I get out of a creative rut by going to the beach or someplace that I can let go and sketch in real life.
My favorite way to challenge myself creatively is by just saying yes to projects that may seem daunting or near impossible to produce…it’s given me clarity on what I’m capable of doing and what I can’t do.
My top three favorite Instagram accounts for creatives are @laura_made_it, @brambleworkshop, @mrseaves101
My next project is working on a large scale mural for a children’s museum!
I started my business because at every job I was working, I kept feeling at a loss. I wasn’t contributing to what I felt was meant to be for me. I just started by drawing, writing quotes, and doing things that I loved and it blossomed.
My favorite things about running my own business is the flexibility and the time I can take to flush out a project for myself. Also being able to create things that are purely my POV.
The hardest thing about running my own business is all the admin and being responsible for others.
The one thing I wish someone would have told me when starting my own business is if you’re really passionate about what you’re doing don’t look back and don’t stop. Keep pushing forward.
My advice to anyone looking to start their own business is to write down your “why”. Why is it important for you to start your own business? Your work will be easier because it’s truly what you love to do and why you’re doing it.
The most important part of my business is being able to connect with other creatives and grow together.
What are you most looking forward to with your CraftJam class?
I’m looking forward to meeting new people! The best thing about these classes are all the different people looking for something new to try.
What do you want you students to walk away from your class with?
Being confident enough to approach painting without feeling the need to have an instructor
What motivates you to teach and share your skills?
I love seeing students faces light up when they get to the end of the class and we paint a landscape together! It’s like they’re putting all the pieces together from the skills that we worked on before to get there.
What are you looking forward to learning this year?
I’m looking forward to learning what my limits are. I am a person that loves learning new things, crafts, and getting deep into the art. I want to expand this and figure out how to combine things to create something new and interesting for my clients and possibly for upcoming workshops!
Sign up for Jane’s Watercolor Basics GuestJam on November 3rd here!
