Meet Bee Stanton | Graphic Artist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bee Stanton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My own business has come about from a series of fortunate events. I’ve always been creative so I took graphic design in college. Once I graduated I did a little bit of freelance but at that stage I wanted stable income and more experience. I got a job at a print shop. It was good. I learned so much and the experience will always be invaluable to me. But nothing beats being your own boss. After moving and getting married I worked retail a short while, still doing my freelance thing on the side. Around that time, Instagram was just taking off and I loved it. I posted my work every chance I got. It eventually got some attention, and I was offered a big illustration contract and knew that was my chance to go full time freelance again.

Since then I’ve had so many amazing clients and collaborations of all different sorts. My little business has even become incorporated.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a product of combined passions. In the early days of my career, I was so envious of artists who had a prominent style or aesthetic. I wanted that but felt like I was all over the place. But it eventually came naturally, kind of by happy accident.

I loved hand lettering, how you could make a statement with beautifully drawn words. I also loved pen and ink illustration. I was doing those two types of art separately until it occurred to me to combine them. And whenever you’re making art for yourself, your subject matter is (hopefully) something you’re passionate about. I was and still am in love with my home. I live on the east coast of Canada, and I’m all about the small town coastal culture. That culture started popping up in my work, and that was the turning point of my career.

My art took off locally. It resonated with people. I was hired for commissions and collaborations with other east coast companies, people were buying my prints. It was a blast. That surge of attention is how I landed my first big contract, allowing me to go full time freelance.

I’ve been more than fortunate to have so many amazing jobs come my way. I never take it for granted. But it hasn’t all been easy. I’ve lived pay check to pay check and definitely had a few sleepless nights anticipating work to dry up at any second. But I have a big faith in God, and believe my spiritual life plays a huge role in everything. There’s also a lot of love and support from people around me. Professionally, financially, and emotionally.

My husband Matthew has always been the backbone in our relationship, in multiple ways. He’s my voice of reason, my sounding board, my technician, and well, he’s pretty cute. I also must give credit to my parents and their boundless support. My whole family is creative and so kind and encouraging. I once heard someone say they thought it was silly to tell your kids they can be anything they want to be and I just had to smile to myself. I’m pretty sure my parents would have told me I could be a unicorn had I wished for it. I’m working my dream job, that is kind of a unicorn situation if you think about it. Growing up with such supportive and loving parents has something to do with that, I’m sure of it.

I’ve also had an incredible group of friends rooting for me. My best friend Emily and her partner Matt are a huge part of my growth. Matt has even become my business mentor. I’ve learned countless things from him, and my little company has come such a long way since working with him. That side of things has always been hardest for me; logistics, scheduling, financial organization, etc. So his help has been invaluable to me. I still have a long way to go, but I’m excited for what’s in store.

I think it’s safe to say your best bet for a happy career (and life!) is to have a community around you. People you can lean on, right? This may be an unpopular opinion, but I think it’s good to be dependant. I realized somewhere along the way that I’m a naturally dependant person. I’ve never thought of myself as independent or “self-made”, not at all. I think that awareness was key to my growth. This world is too tough to do things alone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live just outside Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s a pretty small city but it’s jam packed with amazing food, beautiful views of the Atlantic, and great music and art. I think I’d have to take them to one of my favourite spots on the Dartmouth side of the harbour, Battery Park Beer Bar. It’s this great little spot that is guaranteed to be full on any given night. I love that neighbourhood in general. We’d probably grab a coffee from Two if By Sea next-door, too. Maybe grab some goodies from Trainyard General Store and Kept Shop too.

We’d eventually cross the bridge to the Halifax side and go for a walk on the waterfront. It’s full of great little snack shacks and gift shops. The art gallery is also a delight, featuring work by Maud Lewis, a folk artist from my home town. Then we’d make our way up to Pizza Corner for, you guessed it, more food. Also some shopping at the Black Market. And I can’t spend time in any city without visiting an art supply or stationery store. We have a few gems in Halifax: Duly Noted, Inkwell Boutique, NSCAD Art Supplies, to name a few favourites.

And what’s a trip to Halifax without seafood? One of the best meals I’ve ever eaten was from Chives Canadian Bistro on Barrington Street. The owner Craig is an amazingly gifted chef. Now I’m hungry.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband & rock, Matthew. My parents, aka my biggest fans. And my best friend Emily along with her partner Matt. I wouldn’t be where I am today without these people.

Website: beestanton.com

Instagram: @beestanton

Facebook: Facebook.com/beestantoncreative

Image Credits
Bee Stanton, Matthew Stanton