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

Hi Christina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Someone I used to work with thought I was a great artist and asked me if I event thought of painting live at events. I didn’t even know what that was. But after looking online and researching I definitely thought this could work for me. I also was an artist who always loved the idea of painting for someone else. Most artists, focus on creating images and artwork that speak to them hoping the audience will love it as well. But I was always interested in custom things and things that are one of a kind!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I guess what’s sets me apart is that every work I create is one of a kind and can not be recreated in the same manner. It is performance art and creating real time and in person. I mess up in front of others and not in private. I talk and engage in conversations will I am making important painting decisions. I juggle a lot while painting live and it is so much fun to me! I know I am doing what I was called to do.

It was not easy getting to where I am today. It took a lot of work and practice.
Also I learned things from working with clients that I would have never learned from a classroom.

I have learned to work smart and not hard. I also have learned to take a lot of notes of things that work and repeat. I have also learned success comes from taking chances and trying new things that work for others in similar career paths.

I want the world to know that artists come in different forms and to follow your dreams no matter how different they are. I painted live i the beginning many times as a donation for non profits and gifts to others so that I could get more familiar with the task. This helped me to see what my dream looked like in reality. Always take your dream and put it into action and sometimes this means baby steps.

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 would definitely hang out at the Point of View at Tapatio Hotel and go on a nice pleasant hike in the morning. I would also go walk the mall in Scottsdale and shop. I would also go to checkout downtown Arizona and take pics in front of the arena!

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?
I want to recognize my family, Isaac, Gabriella, and Sophia. They say it takes a village and it sure does. I am so thankful I can count on them to always have my back and help me do my very best. They do it all, paint sides, encourage me when I feel tired, answer emails, and create business plans! In return, I am so thankful for their love and support and I know they are my reason for success.

Website: Www.pappionartistry.com

Instagram: @pappionartistry

Facebook: Pappion Artistry

Youtube: Pappion Artistry

Other: TikTok: eventpainter

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.