Meet Savannah Hamilton | Freelance Painter and Animator

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

Hi Savannah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I attended the Kansas City Art Institute, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and built a strong, versatile foundation in creative skills that translate across multiple mediums. I chose to focus my studies on animation, spending three years learning traditional animation principles and expanding my skill set across various techniques.

During college, I waitressed every weekend to cover my bills, which was exhausting on top of a full course load. Outside of my animation studies, I took other classes that interested me, such as figure sculpting and painting, and the formal training from my professors helped me progress quickly. I started painting more outside of class projects and began posting my work online. A few friends asked if I’d take commissions, so I created some paintings for a couple hundred bucks here and there. As I kept posting my work online, more commission requests rolled in. I improved, raised my prices, and realized how long it took me to complete a painting and how much I could make hourly. I discovered that if I dedicated my weekends and evenings to painting instead of waitressing, I could make the same amount of money – except I’d be doing something I loved. So I made the brave decision to quit my waitressing job during my senior year of college and freelance paint instead to make ends meet. Looking back, it’s a little crazy, I know – but I was determined to make it work because I was passionate about making a living using my artistic skills in one form or another.

That was the beginning of starting my own business as a freelance painter. People commissioned me to paint portraits, landscapes, pets, abstracts, architecture, and more, but the common thread throughout my work was a strong attention to detail. I work best using photographic references, which allows me to capture accuracy while still bringing my own artistic interpretation to each piece. I enjoy hearing a client’s vision and helping bring their ideas to life. I also took on other types of commissions, like graphic design and illustration projects, but my main focus was painting. My portfolio grew and my skills improved as I completed and posted each piece online. I juggled this while finishing my senior animation project, a three-minute-long animated film.

After graduating, I had a six-month gap while applying to animation jobs. During that time, I leaned into painting full time. I began documenting my painting process and quickly realized that sharing videos of this served as great advertisement, which brought in even more commission requests. With my animation background, I enjoyed incorporating my video editing skills to creatively showcase my process and connect with a wider audience.

Six months later, I got a job at an animation studio in Atlanta, GA, where I spent four seasons as a character animator on the Emmy Award–winning TV series Archer at Floyd County Productions. There, I honed my expertise in 2D puppet animation and brought characters to life – a dream I had worked toward for four years. I adjusted my freelance painting schedule by cutting back and only painting in the evenings and on weekends again. Some paintings would take months to finish, but I was able to keep it as a side job while working in the animation industry. During our three-month hiatus between seasons of the show I was working on, I would return to painting full time, which really helped me out financially and allowed me to continue doing creative work that I loved.

Fast forward eight years from when I began taking painting commissions—I’ve completed over 100 commissioned and original works and developed an online shop where I sell prints. I’ve grown my business organically by consistently sharing my creative process on social media and building a personal brand across multiple platforms – something I’m passionate about and intend to continue growing over time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to freelance painting, I specialize in both acrylic and oil mediums. My subject matter varies widely, but the common thread throughout my work is a strong attention to detail which I think can set me apart. I work best using photographic references, which allows me to capture accuracy while still bringing my own artistic interpretation to each piece. I’m always open to hearing a client’s vision and helping bring their ideas to life.

Freelance painting for the past eight years has come with its own set of challenges. It has taken a long time to grow my audience by posting consistently on social media, which serves as my main form of advertisement. It’s been a slow build that’s required a lot of patience and persistence. In the beginning, I charged lower prices just to get my work out there. Over time, as the value of my art grew, I was able to raise my prices accordingly.

Developing a strong portfolio and refining my skills required long-term commitment and discipline. I’ve made mistakes—like spending countless hours on pieces I undercharged for—but I’ve learned how to manage my time so I can hit my desired hourly rate while painting.

Running my own business also means handling admin work such as communicating with clients, writing contracts, building my website, documenting artwork, and creating content. That’s pushed me to learn a lot about software, tech, and marketing.

At the end of the day, painting only makes up about half of what I do since running a freelance business involves a lot more behind the scenes. It’s a tough reality, but it becomes a lot more manageable – and even rewarding when you connect with others in similar situations. Sharing information, exchanging experiences, and staying open to learning from one another can make all the difference. I’m always refining how I operate, whether it’s improving how I package a painting or exploring different brands of paint. It’s an ongoing process, but it’s one I’m committed to for the long haul.

When someone submits a commission request, I provide a list of common canvas sizes and pricing options, along with an estimated timeline for completion. Once the painting is finished, I handle the packaging myself and ship it. Almost every piece I create also comes with a short process video I edit, showing the painting come to life step by step.

If you’re interested in commissioning a painting, you can use this link, [https://savannahhamilton.com/contact-me/] to get started. You’re also welcome to reach out via direct message on social media or by emailing me at savannahhamilton111@gmail.com.

Navigating the creative industry has definitely been a journey full of ups and downs. During my time in the animation industry, working contract to contract came with its own set of challenges. It can be stressful not knowing whether the show you’re on will get renewed, and even if it is, there’s often a hiatus between seasons that can last up to three months. That kind of uncertainty can be tough, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s manageable. During those gaps, I typically leaned more into my freelance painting business, using that time to focus on commissions and grow my audience.

In animation, a lot depends on timing—where society is at, the state of the economy, and now, the rise of AI, which is beginning to take a share of jobs in the field. Industry-wide layoffs and instability have made it especially difficult. Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful that I’ll find my way back into animation when the time is right. In the meantime, I’ve been focusing on other creative pursuits.

My creative career is constantly evolving, and working in this industry has taught me to fully embrace its ebb and flow. Whether I’m animating for television, painting commissions, illustrating digitally, or managing a gallery, I’ve learned that staying adaptable and open to new opportunities is essential. Every project, role, and challenge has helped shape me into a more versatile artist, and I’m excited to keep pushing my work forward – wherever the path leads next.

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 love Atlanta for its perfect balance of city life and nature. I’d definitely take them for a stroll along the BeltLine—especially near the Krog Street Market area. There are so many great patio spots like Ladybird and Superica where you can grab a drink, enjoy a meal, and people-watch. I love the spontaneity of stumbling upon a local festival or someone playing live music. There’s always something happening, and with the BeltLine stretching all the way to Piedmont Park, there’s so much to explore along the way.

I always take visitors to the Georgia Aquarium—an Atlanta staple. I also love exploring some of the scenic hiking trails around Atlanta, like Sweetwater Creek or East Palisades Trail. It’s a beautiful escape into nature without having to go too far from the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to thank all of my parents, grandparents, and other family members who encouraged me to chase my dreams and pursue a creative career. A lot of artists are deterred from following their passions because it isn’t always financially stable. While it’s true that there are many struggles that come with this path, my goal has always been to find a balance – earning enough to support my needs while doing something fulfilling every day. My family never steered me away from this path; instead, they consistently encouraged me and spoke positivity into my life, helping me believe that this dream was possible. That belief, the idea that you can do something, is one of the most powerful components of success.

I’d also like to thank all of my teachers and professors – from elementary school through college who recognized my talent and passion and helped me nurture it into what it is today. I’ll never forget the lessons they taught me, which I hope to one day pay forward to other aspiring creatives.

Website: https://savannahhamilton.com/

Instagram: @savannah_sierra_art

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannah-hamilton-3b2689122/

Facebook: Savannah Hamilton Art

Youtube: @savannahhamilton3171

Other: Tiktok: @savannahsierra11