Interview with artist Petra Baral
Petra Baral is a graphic artist based in Stuttgart, Germany. She primarily works with acrylics and canvas to create pieces in a bold and colorful graphic style.
Petra draws inspiration from the stories of Greek mythology, which she explores to shed light on the timeless themes and challenges that are still relevant in our modern lives. Her compositions use black lines and geometric shapes to create striking designs that capture the viewer’s attention.
Whatʼs your career background?
My career began with a degree in art and graphic design. After graduating, I worked as a freelance illustrator for a publishing house. Graphic design remains at the core of my work and has significantly influenced the development of my signature art style.
Where did the idea for your business come from?
Art is a luxury, and fewer people can afford it, but I believe art is something we all need in our lives. While not everyone can own an original painting from me, anyone can enjoy my apparel collections featuring my art. Itʼs art you can wear and carry with you, which also serves as a great conversation starter because it’s unique and not mass-produced.
How did you move from idea to actual business?
I started by creating a few designs and testing them out on different types of apparel. Positive feedback and demand led me to set up an online shop. From there, I expanded my offerings and used social media to reach a broader audience.
Whatʼs your unique selling point?
My USP is creating a distinctive and easily recognizable art style that makes each piece of apparel one of a kind. It’s wearable art and a powerful form of self-expression.
Whoʼs your target audience?
My target audience spans all ages and continents, including both women and men who love vibrant and colorful art. For those who prefer not to wear their favorite art, I offer paintings, prints, and figurines.
How do you spread the word about what you do?
I primarily use social media and press to promote my art. A few years ago, I hand-painted my car with my art, which was a great marketing strategy for gaining local visibility. Unfortunately, that car no longer exists, but it was one of my favorites.
Whatʼs been your most successful marketing strategy?
Social media has been incredibly effective for me. Engaging with my audience directly and showcasing my process and products has helped build a loyal following.
Whatʼs been the biggest obstacle youʼve had to overcome?
Visibility has been the biggest challenge. In a market saturated with artists, standing out and gaining attention for your work is difficult, no matter how talented you are. I’ve seen many underappreciated artists who donʼt get the recognition they deserve.
Whatʼs your proudest moment so far?
My proudest moment isnʼt a single event. Itʼs a collection of moments throughout the last 40 years – creating my work, gaining an international audience, and receiving appreciation from collectors and fans.
Why is work so important to you?
My art is a form of self-expression. Iʼve dedicated my life to art, sharing countless stories visualized in paint. Art is therapeutic and communicative; itʼs something we leave behind for future generations, a piece of human history.
Who inspires you?
Itʼs more about what inspires me than who. Mythology from all kinds of origins, nature, and life itself are my main inspirations. I take modern experiences and problems, relate them to Greek mythology, and vice versa. History often repeats itself, making these ancient stories relevant today. My art brings these stories to life visually.
What are your top three pieces of advice for someone wanting to do something similar?
- Create a unique product and stick to your unique form of expression.
- Learn about effective marketing.
- Have the courage to be different and always have a plan B.
Find out more about Petra Baral.
