oana befort: about

Hi there! My name is Oana [pronounced ‘Wanna”, but you won't offend me if you pronounce it a different way :)] and I live with my wonderful husband Jeremy and our little son Sammy. I am a freelance graphic designer and illustrator with a huge love for photography, crafts, style and everything artsy. I am spending my time taking care of our cute little boy, working on projects, painting with my watercolors, listening to music, taking photos and drinking tea. I get inspiration through everything that surrounds me like nature, people, books, animals, daily life and I like to put down my ideas in my sketchbooks that I carry with me at all times.

This blog is my visual journal where I share pieces of my work, life as a mother and things that inspire me. Thank you so much for being here and please stay a while!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Frequently Asked Questions

How did you learn to draw?

I have always enjoyed drawing since I was a little girl. My love for art grew through the years and through continuos practice I learned more and more.

What kind of camera do you use?

I am using a Nikon D7000 with various lenses. My all time favorite lens is the manual focusing Nikon 50mm f/1.2 ais.

What brand of watercolors are you using?

I am using Schmincke watercolors most of the time, but I also use Winsor & Newton watercolors.

Who designed your blog?

I did using Blogger’s template manager, some HTML coding and my own illustrations.

Can I hire you to design my own blog?

Yes, sure. Please email me to discuss all of the details and to get a custom quote.

What programs do you use to edit your pictures?

I am using Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom 4.

What type of paper do you use for your watercolor pieces?

I am using any kind of watercolor paper, but I specially like the Fabriano brand.

Where can I buy your art?

You can buy some of my art prints (and soon some originals) from my Etsy store and also from Society6. If you are interested in a specific art piece that is not currently in my shop or if you would like a custom order, please email me.

Where do you like to shop for art supplies?

I buy many of my art supplies from local art stores in Romania but two of my favorite places to shop for materials are Dick Blick and Hobby Lobby in the USA.

Do you have a middle name?

Nope.

Where do you live?

Right now we live in Bucharest, Romania. My husband came to Romania almost 9 years ago with missionary work and we go to the US every year for several weeks to see family, friends and supporters.

What is your family’s nationality?

I am a Romanian and my husband is an American, our son is a Romerican :)

What kind of studies do you have?

I studied fine arts in high school, then I went to college to study graphic design. I have a Masters Degree in Graphic Design and Visual Communication from the National University of Art in Bucharest.

How do you get clients for your freelance business?

I get my clients mainly through my blog, Etsy store and by word of mouth. My blog is also part of my work and sharing it here and on other social media platforms has helped me gain clients.

How did you decide to start a blog?

I was a new mom when I started to blog two years ago and I did it because I wanted to discipline myself in continuing to create and stay inspired while raising a little one. I also created the blog to document bits and pieces of our daily life and to keep in touch with far away friends and family. Blogging has helped me connect with other artists in the blogosphere and create new friendships that I am so grateful for.

How do you manage working and taking care of a little one?

I am working from home which can be a good thing as well as very challenging. I get a lot done while my little one naps and plays or in the evenings. I have to organize my time very well and that doesn’t happen very often. Throughout the day I am thinking about the projects I have to complete and I play around with ideas in my head, so it helps me to have something in mind already before putting it down on paper. It’s a continuos juggle but it’s worth it.

Did you work before becoming a freelance artist? If yes, how was the transition?

Yes, I worked at an advertising agency as a Graphic Designer for a few years before giving birth to Sammy. The transition from working beyond full-time to staying at home with a little baby was hard at the beginning, but I’ve learned to take things slowly and to do what I can considering the priorities. Things have gotten a lot better with time and practice.

How did you and your husband meet?

We first met while Christmas caroling. We had some good common friends as well so we had many opportunities to hang-out and to get to know each other better.

How is the relationship between you and your husband since you both come from different cultures?

I wouldn’t say that we are very different, even if we do come from different cultures. My family is very “international” since I have relatives scattered throughout the world. Although at first I thought that we might not have to much in common, I was soon amazed to discover that we are on the same track in so many areas. We do have different opinions of course and we are not perfect, but our relationship is beautiful. We believe that God brought us together and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful companion.

Are you planning on growing your family with more kiddos? If yes, when?

We would like to have at least one more kiddo in the future... but probably not in the near future. The truth is that early this year we lost a baby at 10 weeks into the pregnancy and we also lost a baby before having Sammy. So, actually, our family is a little bigger and we know that one day we will meet and hold our babies in heaven.

Is your little son going to speak both English and Romanian?

Yes, he will speak both. It’s a little hard and confusing for him now that he is learning to speak while hearing two different languages, but kids are pretty good at learning at this age so I think he will do just fine.

If you would like to have a question answered please email me at oanabefort@yahoo.com