Meet Janna Coumoundouros | Full Time Artist

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

Hi Janna, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I firmly believe that beyond artistic talent lies a crucial element for success in any creative endeavor: the ability to navigate the business side of things. While many possess extraordinary artistic abilities, thriving in the industry demands more than just creativity. It requires adeptness in self-marketing, financial management, tax compliance, and effective advertising strategies. It’s often said that artists inhabit a realm just beyond the bounds of societal norms, where chaos and creativity intersect. This delicate balance necessitates an ability to straddle both worlds: the imaginative and the pragmatic. We, as creatives, possess a unique perspective, thinking outside the box and embracing the unconventional. However, to truly flourish, one must master the art of balancing creativity with business acumen. It’s about finding harmony amidst the chaos, blending innovation with practicality to achieve lasting success. Personally, when I went through a divorce and had to be a single mom it pushed me to do what I needed to do. I made a decision back then between finding a traditional job or going full throttle with my own business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Throughout my career, I’ve embraced a multitude of mediums, always eager to explore new creative avenues. While my primary focus lies in real estate photography, a passion I’ve cultivated for over 23 years, my artistic journey extends far beyond the lens. Working predominantly through referrals, I’ve built enduring relationships with clients over the years, evolving alongside technological advancements and shifting stylistic trends. Today, my repertoire encompasses stills, videos, virtual staging, and branding videos. I also have a licensed drone pilot who shoots for me.

Beyond photography, I am also a metalsmith jewelry designer. My fascination with repurposing vintage machine parts taken from typewriters, adding machines, and cash registers into wearable art reflects an appreciation for the beauty found in the unexpected. While my work now predominantly features sterling silver and stone settings, the essence of experimentation and resilience remains at its core—a testament to the inherent challenges of working with metal.

My journey into fashion design emerged unexpectedly, spurred by a serendipitous invitation to participate in a competition using automotive materials. This pivotal moment ignited a passion for haute couture, leading to collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and renowned automotive companies like Inteva Products. Through these partnerships, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my designs at prestigious events, including the auto show’s charity preview, where I’ve had the honor of dressing notable figures like Ashlee Baracy from Channel 4. My fashion designs have been displayed at the Detroit Institute of Art, the Flint Art Institute and the Detroit Historical Museum.

Despite my commercial successes, I’ve recently embarked on a personal artistic journey, reclaiming the purity of creation by liberating myself from commercial constraints. Through drawing and painting, I’m rediscovering the joy of art for art’s sake, relinquishing the pressure to conform to market demands.

Currently, my artwork and photography prints are available for purchase on Saatchi Art and Etsy, while my jewelry can be found on Etsy and The Rabbit Hole in Waterford. Each piece I create is imbued with a narrative of resilience, innovation, and boundless creativity, reflecting my unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

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 want to take them to Detroit during the day to walk around and shop and see the riverfront. I always feel like I’m on vacation when I walk along there. My husband and I rented scooters and had a blast riding all over. I don’t know if they still do it but in the summer there used to be a boat ride you could take from there that goes around Belle Isle and under the bridge. That would be fun. Walking around downtown and midtown and of course going to the DIA would be on the list. Ottava Via, Supino’s, Oak and Reel, Green Dot Stables, drinks at the Belt would be on the list. Eastern Market for food and shopping. I’d also take them to a pop-up dinner at Frame. Dinner at Mabel Gray, Hazel’s, and we’d probably end up at Tavern on the Main because it’s right down the street from us and we go there a lot. Some places to walk and explore would be Cranbrook Gardens, Kensington Metro Park near the nature center, and Belle Isle. The Flint Art Museum is a favorite of mine too.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I could mention. My parents have always encouraged me to be an artist. They worried I would have trouble making a living at it and rightly so. But they have always been a huge support! My husband, Matthew Baldridge is so amazing. He not only supports everything I do but he has such a unique way of looking at things. I can always bounce ideas off of him and he brings his own artistic eye to the discussion.

Website: http://lilacpopstudio.com

Instagram: @Lilacpop @Lilacpop_RealEstatePhotography @TheArtistAndTheChef

Image Credits
Rachelle Willnus (Featured photo)
Alex Dudick for the DIA shot. The group photo that I’m in is by Amy Heslip. The rest were shot by me.