Meet Deanna Barton of Artspiration

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Barton.

Deanna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Art has been an integral part of my life. Growing up, I was always drawing or making something. As a teen and young adult, I struggled with anxiety and depression. Art-making was a HUGE part of my healing process. Making time for art is still a major part of my daily life.

When I was in college, a professor told me about art therapy. I decided to get a masters degree in art therapy and pursue my career so I could be an agent of change in the field of mental health. My mission is to aid in breaking the stigma around mental health and educate people about the powerful healing benefits of art. Artspiration was created to inspire, uplift, and improve lives through art-making.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an entrepreneur is never easy. My biggest struggle has been managing my time. When I founded the business in 2016, I decided to continue working a full-time job as my business grew. I teach art at a local elementary school and work at Artspiration in the evenings and on weekends. I am a proponent of volunteering, and I volunteer my time and talents to Florida’s local chapter of the American Art Therapy Association where I serve as website chair. I also mentor graduate students and young professionals who are working towards careers in arts-based industries. It sometimes feels like there’s not enough time to get everything done.

Artspiration – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My products and services are ideal for individuals seeking to focus on personal growth and emotional wellness, reduce stress, improve interpersonal relationships, and obtain a higher quality of life. Artspiration aims to make the benefits of art accessible and convenient to all. The Artspiration Kit is perfect for those who want to experience the therapeutic benefits of art-making in the comfort of home or whenever and wherever they please. There are online workshops aimed at educating consumers about the fundamentals of art-making and how to effectively use art materials for therapeutic purposes. Individual, family, and couples art therapy sessions are also available for more intensive, in-depth, and personalized art-making experiences.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is not an endpoint, it is a mindset. Once we achieve a goal, it’s time to set a new one. We should continuously challenge ourselves. That’s what leads to personal growth. Each morning, I set a goal, and my plans and tasks for the day always align with that goal. My goals are sometimes as simple as, “Stay present and mindful.” By setting achievable goals each day, I am able to have daily successes which keep me feeling positive, motivated, and helps me maintain momentum as my business grows.

Pricing:

• Art Therapy Sessions starting at $100
• Artspiration Kits starting at $40

Contact Info:

• Website: www.getartspired.com
• Phone: (305) 204-1412
• Email: deanna@getartspired.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/getartspired
• Facebook: facebook.com/getartspired
• Twitter: twitter.com/getartspired

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