Today we’d like to introduce you to April Paige.
Hi April, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From The About Page On My Website:
Hi, I’m April Paige — the artist behind the work. Originally from Sarasota, Florida, I come from two vibrant cultures — Cuban and Spanish — that continue to inspire my art and design. After spending most of my life in the Sarasota/Tampa area, I relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina in December 2019. Now, in 2025 as a recovering Corporate Senior Marketer for 30+ years, I’m excited to re-launch my fine art business with a fresh perspective and expanded offerings. Through this new chapter, you’ll find original artwork, the option to commission pieces inspired by past works, and a curated collection of my most popular prints in a variety of sizes. I’ve also introduced a new online interior design store featuring one-of-a-kind, artful home decor.. Whether you’re an interior designer, decorator, art enthusiast, or simply looking to bring meaningful beauty into your home — you’ve come to the right place!
I briefly studied art at the Ringling School of Art, studied privately through various courses, painted in conjunction with other established artists and have developed many self taught techniques. My love of art began the moment I was given a crayon as a child. I spent many years exploring my creativity before becoming an artist and was recognized and honored for many contests while in school. I assisted one of my art professors in creating wall murals outside of art school and then developed my own style of fine art which is still transforming today. I am an avid music lover and try hard to capture that moment of creativity, grit or soul expression of whatever subject I am painting. Right now, I am exploring a more monochromatic style that I came to enjoy from painting along side a tattoo artist who has become a fine artist. I am very excited to create a new series that reminds me of my Ybor City heritage, my Latin heritage and my love of Latin music. I am looking forward to capturing some of the people and things that have helped to build me personally.
‘Artist Antics with April’ is a YouTube and Spotify show where, as an artist and creative, April dives into the fascinating world of creativity, interviewing artists from every medium imaginable. From painters to poets, comedians to photographers, film makers to art therapists, muralists to musicians, and everything in between, she uncovers the stories behind their art. Discover the journeys, inspirations, and creative processes that drive these talented individuals to bring their visions to life. Whether they’re established masters or emerging talents, each episode offers insights, tip, tricks, anecdotes, and words of wisdom straight from the artists themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, this may take a minute, lol. I had a corporate career as a senior marketer that most would want to have, but there was always something nagging at me that I should be doing my art. Now, due to the economy, state of the job market, and ageism, I find myself out of work for a year. So, instead of hitting my head against the wall with job searches and recruiters, I decided to do the thing that I know works and that is my art. Really it’s a blessing in disguise. I had little to no work fulfillment because I promoted myself to marketing positions that were no longer creative. There was a bit of a struggle in my mind, what I should do, what I need to do, what I have to do, verses what I want to do. It’s almost like I had been so programmed to want this career, this identity, this lifestyle that I forgot that I was suppose to be making myself happy in the process. Money isn’t everything, it helps of course, but shouldn’t be the driver if you can manage it.
So, I decided in June that I was going to go all in on myself and resurrect my fine art business that was thriving as a side hustle before I left Tampa. Of course since I haven’t focused on it at all since I moved to Raleigh it is like starting over.
My biggest hurdle right now is finding the right people to assist me. Social media, web developer, SEO expert, etc. I realized pretty early that if I was to get this off the ground quickly that I need a few key part-time people to help me. So I have had a few that I have had to let go, due to lack of responsibility, but now I think I have the right people in place to get this going. I use UpWork to find my employees and it works great. You can agree to a lump sum or hourly contract, you can put the money in escrow until you approve the project is complete, etc. Easy to list what you need help with and not a lot of red tape. It took me about 6-8 conversations per role to find the right people.
Now we are on a good social schedule, my SEO is being aligned as I type this, and we are making some final tweaks to the website. Should be all about me creating and adding pieces from here.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think an interesting part of my art influence is that my Cuban family heritage stems from the cigar industry in Ybor City, FL. I am very proud of my local family history which includes cigar makers, lectors in the cigar factories, musician and beauty queens. There is more here on
my heritage page
https://aprilpaigefineart.com/pages/about-april
and also in my media kit.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0944/5431/7345/files/AP_MediaKit_Final_AP-1.pdf?v=1760976893
Known for my unique style is bold colors, interesting perspectives, and search for meaning/soul in my work. All that I have created have a meaning for me personally and I have tried to share that in the description of each piece. I am an avid music lover and try hard to capture that moment of creativity, grit or soul expression of whatever subject I am painting. Right now, I am exploring a more monochromatic style and another more loose style that conveys more energy on the canvas. I am very excited to create a new series that reminds me of my Ybor City heritage, my Latin heritage and my love of Latin music.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
– I was 2nd seat clarinet in the Florida West Coast Junior Symphony. I also played clarinet in high school band.
– I love to sing, another love I got from my family, and try to sing with jam bands whenever possible.
– I love most blues music and try to see my favorites live whenever possible.
– I am a big believer in giving back with my philanthropy. For all originals purchased I donate 10% to the charity of the customers choice. For all other items I donate 10% at the end of the year to the charities of my choice.
Pricing:
- Originals = $700-$2,800, avg is $1,200
- Prints = $40 – $160
- Design Store = varies from $10-$1,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://AprilPaigeFineArt.com
- Instagram: @April_Paige_Fine_Art
- Facebook: @ April Paige Fine Art
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilpaige/
- Twitter: @AprilPaigeFA
- Youtube: @AprilPaige-AAWA
