Josie Hoisington

Airdrie artist Josie Hoisington picked up watercolour in 2020 as a creative outlet during a difficult season. That practice eventually led to The Journey Painted, where she now turns her original paintings into prints, greeting cards, bookmarks, and other paper goods for customers at markets, shops, art shows, and online.

"I’d love to share a little bit about my story and the role Little Rock Printing has played in growing my art business!

I’m a watercolour artist based in Airdrie, Alberta, and my business, The Journey Painted, grew out of a very personal journey with creativity. I began painting with watercolour in 2020 during a particularly difficult season of my life, and over time, what started as a form of creative self-care grew into a small business.

Today, I sell original watercolours, prints, greeting cards, bookmarks, and other paper products at local markets, shops, art shows, and through my online store. Printed products have become a really important part of my business because they allow me to make my artwork accessible to a much wider range of customers. Not everyone can purchase an original painting, but they might fall in love with a $20 print, a greeting card, or a small art piece—and that connection matters to me.

Little Rock Printing has been a big part of making that possible.

As a small artist-run business, I simply wouldn’t have the same range of products or the ability to serve as many customers without a reliable local print shop. The quality of the printing is important because I want my reproductions to reflect the care and detail that goes into the original artwork. Just as importantly, being able to work with a local company is something I really value. Supporting other local businesses and being part of our local creative community is important to me, and I love knowing that my artwork is being printed right here in Alberta.

Little Rock has helped me turn my original paintings into products that can travel much further than the paintings themselves. A single watercolour can become prints, cards, bookmarks and other pieces that allow more people to bring a little piece of my art into their homes and everyday lives.

For me, that's a pretty special part of being a small artist and business owner. My artwork may begin with a single sheet of watercolour paper, but with the help of local businesses like Little Rock Printing, that artwork can become something that reaches many more people."

Josie