Q + A with Courtney Ballard of Hip South
LE: The genesis of Hip South. How did the idea come about?
Courtney: Oh my goodness where to begin. The nutshell version would be that I’ve always dreamt of having a studio of my own.
LE: What's your background?
Courtney: An Elizabethtown native, I attended Berry College after high school and later transferred to the University of Kentucky where I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I worked as a graphic designer for a public relations firm in Lexington until moving back in 2002. I spent the next few years freelancing, with most of my work consisting of personalized art and gifts. In 2006, my sister asked me to host art workshops in her children’s store, Fiddlesticks, which jump started my teaching career. Thank you, Neeley! Fast forward through years of freelance, opening (and closing) my first studio, becoming an art teacher, to where I am today.
LE: What made you want to start this?
Courtney: It’s been a dream of mine since becoming an artist to have my own studio. I wanted a space where I could create, display my work, and meet with clients first and foremost, but I also wanted a space that would allow for workshops and community events. I’d hoped to find a small spot downtown at some point, so when one popped up a couple of years ago I felt like it was meant to be. Not only have I loved having a studio, but I’ve also enjoyed being a part of the downtown growth and revitalization. It’s the best.
LE: How long has it been around?
Courtney: My first open studio was the Second Saturday of November in 2016.
LE: Explain Hip South to those that may not know what it is in the community?
Courtney: I hear “what exactly IS this place” quite often! Hip South is an art studio and event space. It’s where I create, showcase and sell my work, meet with clients, and host events and workshops. I have a small studio gift shop as well! It’s stocked with goods from some pretty fabulous Southern artists and makers. I’m a proud Southerner and liked the idea of pairing that love with my passion for supporting small businesses.
LE: What's your favorite thing about running Hip South?
Courtney: Having a space to create and inspire others is definitely at the top of the list.
LE: Favorite events you have hosted?
Courtney: That’s a tough one! It’s been such a joy to create with so many people at my studio. We’ve painted abstracts, woven wall hangings, assembled collages, sculpted pottery, worked with embroidery, printmaking, and jewelry design. Spreading the creative love is such a fulfilling part of what I do, especially when it involves children. It’s a huge blessing. I recently partnered with my friends at Denizen to launch Hello Social, a workshop and community event brand. We’ve been able to reach even more people through that partnership. Most of our workshops are hosted by either myself or Olivia Guandique, but we’re always up for inviting other artists and makers to teach, too.
LE: Describe the process of running Hip South?
Courtney: I try to keep a general workflow that’s filled with both short term and long term projects, admin responsibilities, and goals. I recently researched and am now implementing time blocking which has been a game changer. It’s tricky, as a creative, to organize your time efficiently and effectively when there are so many different projects, deadlines, roles, etc. Not to mention my responsibilities as a mom (those are my favorites). It’s a work in progress and I’m always learning!
LE: How has running a business been? Have you had experience with it before?
Courtney: It’s been great! Amazing and a little scary all at once! I’ve had very little experience with running and owning a business, but have had the pleasure of watching friends and family succeed in doing both. I spend A LOT of time reading and researching about how other people, both creative and otherwise, run their businesses. It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s a fun one.
LE: What does your day to day look like?
Courtney: My days are always different and always changing. Some days I’m on location for a mural project or meeting with clients in their homes/business to discuss design work. Other days, I’m in the studio where I work on commission pieces, installation projects, prep for workshops, and do all of the responsible small business owner things like returning emails, sending invoices, and paying bills. Sprinkle in some school volunteer time and a lunch meeting or two and and you’ll have my day to day!
LE: Who or what inspires you?
Courtney: Let’s see...Creatively, I’m always inspired. Color, line, pattern, and texture are probably some of what speaks me the most. I love experimenting with different materials and processes and studying other artists’ work, too. Seeing contrasting points of views and reading about the stories and experiences of artists, past and present, has always been so interesting to me. Personally, I’m inspired by those closest to me that are a constant source of support, love, kindness, and encouragement...and fun...they know how to have a good time.
LE: How has being in Etown helped or been a challenge?
Courtney: A little bit of both, I’d say. I’ve been supported as a freelance artist ever since returning to Elizabethtown...painting and designing for friends, friends of friends, and people that I’ve known for years. I’m forever grateful! Personalized and hand lettered pieces have always sold well and make up quite a bit of my commission work. I’m incorporating more fine art paintings into my studio which I’m really excited about. My hope is that they’ll be just as well received.
LE: What is your favorite thing about E’town?
Courtney: Moving away and then coming back to my hometown to work and raise a family has definitely given me a bigger appreciation for my small town roots. I love the people, the sense of community, being close to family, and raising my boys in such a supportive, special place.
LE: What's your dream/ambition for the future?
Courtney: Professionally speaking, I’d like to continue to grow as an artist and reach more people with my work. There are lots of goals on my list in regards to developing my brand, community outreach, future projects, and fun collaborations.
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