WHERE DID THE NAME J.AUSTINRyan COME FROM?
From my three boys Jacob, Ryan, and Austin. But there are a few who think there is a man behind the painted hearts.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Well if you haven’t read my ABOUT US, I was an Art Director for 9 years. I ended leaving the company because of my husband’s job relocating us. I took a couple of years off to be a completely hand’s on mom, only paint when I wasn’t asked to, and to just relax. Of course, during that time my mind was missing the fast paced, constantly painting, and racing to football practice with my kids. So then, with the support of my loving husband and family, J. AUSTINRyan was launched.

IS EVERYTHING REALLY HAND-PAINTED? AND HOW DO YOU MAKE EVERYTHING EXACT?
Yes! Although, I do sell the Kate & Max series in Giclee print, most people who order that line request hand-painted. I receive emails making sure the art that they are purchasing is hand-painted. I love that my customers sometimes want the real deal.
When I was an Art Director for those 9 years, I had to create, repeat, and teach others artists to do the same. I was critiqued all the time, which in the end, made me the artist I am today. I have secret shortcuts that I have taught myself and others. If you told me to paint the same bear 25 times, and was being graded, you would most likely give me an A+.

DO YOUR KID’S HELP YOU PAINT?
YES, I have been asked this question twice. (As of 12/07)
My response, "NO. But if my kid’s could paint a straight line, free-hand as well as I can, I would definitely put them on the payroll.”
I LOVE creative questions.

CAN I CUSTOM ORDER ARTWORK AND WHAT IS THE MARK-UP?
Yes! I love doing custom orders. I learn more about my customers and their vision, and I really enjoy the process.
The mark-up on a piece depends on how extent custom goes. Usually the highest would be about 25%.

WHERE DO YOU PAINT?
I paint everything in my home studio. It’s a good size, everything is organized, and it’s just perfect for me.

WHEN DO YOU FIND THE TIME TO PAINT WITH THREE BOYS?
I am getting better with my time-management every day. My husband helps out a lot. So the answer to your question, I’m painting all of the time. I usually get the scoop on shows from friends and family because I don’t watch TV that much.

CAN I REALLY EXPECT MY ORDER TO SHIP WITHIN 2-4 WEEKS?
Yes. You will receive an email if for some reason I am completely backed up.

DO YOU STOCK YOUR PAINTINGS?
Some of them I do. Like I said, I am always painting.

WHAT IS THE ARTWORK SEALED WITH?
Every piece is sealed with a UV non-yellowing protective coating. You can wipe them with a damp cloth for cleaning.