Danielle Mahood, a talented multidisciplinary artist based in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, has built a reputation for turning any creative challenge into something uniquely her own. Danielle explains how she approaches every project with a blend of skill, imagination, heart, and her eye for detail. No matter the medium of choice, her work reflects her deep passion for creativity and one-of-a-kind artwork.
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Danielle has worked with a wide variety of styles and mediums. Her sharp attention to detail and eye for colour are characteristics that can be appreciated in her works, which are inspired by the world around her. Danielle is not only about bright colours, she also specializes in realistic graphite portraits of people and pets from photographs, which serve as valuable keepsakes.
Her artistic talents go far beyond the bush and paint, with two self-published colouring books, Colour the Coast 1 & 2, each consisting of 50 original hand-drawn and inked illustrations inspired by life in the Maritimes. Plus, she also sings and plays the guitar, all while being a busy mom to three amazing kids, so we appreciate her taking time to chat with us about her artistic and entrepreneurial journey.
Spotlight on Business: Tell us a little about yourself. Who is Danielle Mahood? What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not assembling scaffolding or climbing staging with paint cans?
Danielle Mahood: I was born and raised in Yarmouth. I love the quiet, slower pace of small-town living. I live two minutes from where I grew up, and I’m fortunate enough to live in the woods, surrounded by wildlife and water.
After high school, everyone assumed I would be doing something with art. I did very well in school, so I thought I’d prove them all wrong, and I started in the direction of Kinesiology in university – I did well but it wasn’t long before I realized that art was my calling.
I usually spend my spare time hanging out with my three children. I love to sing and play guitar, and the rest of my free time is usually spent supporting my musician friends.
Spotlight on Business: You received an Applied Communication Arts diploma along with a Graphic Design diploma with honours from NSCC Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, but I understand that you are self-taught to draw and paint. When did your artistic passion begin? What were your first artistic mediums?
Danielle Mahood: My artistic passion began as soon as I could hold a crayon. I’ve always been drawn to it, creating anything I could. Once I picked up a pencil, I never really put it down again, and that would have been my first artistic medium, the pencil. Later, I branched into colored pencils. I’ve always been pretty good at looking at a photo or an object and recreating what I can see. It’s a lot of trial and error and pushing past the stage where you want to rip it up.
Spotlight on Business: Can you tell us about your entrepreneurial journey, which we understand started at a young age?
Danielle Mahood: I was an early entrepreneur. I remember taking orders and selling handmade crafts and drawings to other kids when I was in elementary school. I started drawing graphite portraits from photos and selling those from an ad in the newspaper when I was about 12. I had my number in the newspaper, so when they would call to order, and my mom would pass me the phone instead, they were very surprised to hear that I was a kid.
Spotlight on Business: You started working as a graphic designer after college to have an art career, before owning and operating your own tattoo business for 8 years. How did you know it was time to make the jump and follow your artistic passions and focus solely on fine art and graphic design as a full-time artist?
Danielle Mahood: When I came across tattooing, it was by accident. I attended Acadia University for Kinesiology, but I couldn’t see myself continuing it for another eight years. They didn’t have an art program, so I decided to switch schools and jump into graphic design to use my artwork that way. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I value the skills and experience I took away from the program, and I worked in sign shops for a few years. Tattooing was an idea that was thrown at me multiple times growing up. I like working independently and having my own schedule, so tattooing seemed like a great way to keep a bit of freedom with my artwork and still pay the bills. I was very busy with it, and unfortunately, it started really taking a toll on me mentally and physically. When I started to get neck pain and headaches, I decided to take a step back and figure out what to do next.
Spotlight on Business: As a multidisciplinary artist known for working in a wide variety of styles and mediums, can you tell us about your different styles? Do you prefer any one style or medium over another? If so, why?
Danielle Mahood: I’ve always enjoyed drawing and painting portraits, so if I had to choose a favorite style, I think I’d have to say realism. For the longest time, I drew portraits only in graphite, but was asked by someone to paint one, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ After trying it, I decided to offer colour as another portrait option. I love being able to capture the spirit of someone’s loved one or their pet in a timeless piece of artwork – it’s a skill I’ve worked on for a very long time. I prefer to use acrylic paint for its versatility and drying time. I enjoy working on different pieces and being able to bring the client’s vision to life, no matter what style fits their need. I think that working in many styles and offering lots of different services keeps my mind fresh and keeps me learning. I get burnt out; I get bored if I’m stuck on the same thing for too long”.
Spotlight on Business: What are some of your favourite projects? Why do those projects stand out?
Danielle Mahood: One of my favorite projects that I’ve done on the mural side is the Swordfish mural in the Yarmouth Ferry Terminal parking lot. I have fond memories of painting that one. The weather was amazing. We were in the middle of a heat wave. It was hot for a straight week, and I finished it in seven days. People were driving by and honking and waving. I have really happy memories of doing that piece. It’s the first thing that tourists see when they get off the ferry from Maine. It’s an honor to give them that bright, cheerful first impression.
Another favorite mural piece I just finished this past summer. It is located in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, at King Street Beer Company. I was commissioned by the building owner, who had taken the building from decrepit to something classy and modern. The building backs on a beautiful courtyard, which had also been neglected, so the mural was the final piece of the puzzle in creating a gorgeous, inviting space for locals to gather. The opposite wall is completely covered with ivy, along with some nice trees and the wrought iron fence. I loved my time there in such an unsuspecting green space within the downtown!
Spotlight on Business: Tell us about the first time you were commissioned to complete a mural and seeing your completed project.
Danielle Mahood: A lot of people think I only recently started doing murals, but that’s not the case. My first mural was when I was 13, after I was approached by some teachers in Junior High. I was a good student in art class, so they pulled me aside and asked if I would do it. It wasn’t until 2019, when I was approached by a local entrepreneur who asked me if I would be interested in doing a piece on the garage door of her business. She had seen my work at the Waterfront Art Gallery in Yarmouth, and she allowed my artistic freedom to be in control, trusting me, without even seeing my design beforehand.
Spotlight on Business: What is the biggest lesson you have learned along the way in your professional journey? What advice do you have for young artists wanting to pursue a career as a professional artist?
Danielle Mahood: I’ve learned that there are no limits. If you’re not happy, find a way to do what you’re passionate about. My advice to any young artist would be to think outside the box. Use all the resources that are available to you because there are so many. If you have questions, ask them; chances are, there will be someone willing to tell you about their process. I have artist contacts all over the world that I’ve never even met in person, but they’re always willing to answer a question, and I try to do the same.
Spotlight on Business: If you had the chance to do any project you could, what would that project be and why?
Danielle Mahood: That’s a hard one. It’s always the most exciting for me when I’m given creative freedom on a job, and those always end up being my favorites. I always aim to make something about the next project better than the last. I’d love to branch out and do a bit of traveling with my artwork. To have pieces in other provinces or even countries is a dream of mine. It’s hard to think of a specific project, but I always get excited for new and unexpected opportunities.
Spotlight on Business: Where can readers find out more about you and your art, and contact you about upcoming projects that they would like to inquire about your services?
Danielle Mahood: You can find my portfolio and contact me through social media or visit my website daniellemahood.com. I usually have a brush in my hand, so emails or messages are preferred, although I have been known to take a call that way, too.
Spotlight on Business: In closing, are there any items that we might have missed that you would like us to share with our readers about yourself or your art?
Danielle Mahood: This past year has brought many milestones. I completed my highest wall, my longest wall – it was 105 feet long. I’ve traveled the furthest I have yet to paint. I’ve been setting goals and looking forward to breaking my records. Some people don’t realize how much art like this can really draw people into a business or location they might have otherwise walked past. It’s an investment that definitely makes a place memorable. I’ve been told that I’m a mind reader, so if you’ve got a project in mind, whether it’s a mural, logo design, signage, or illustrations – don’t hesitate to reach out and see if it’s a good fit.
by Krista Legge-Wakeley