If You Have a Sweet Tooth, Then You Need to Get Your Hands on Robyn Blair’s Art Stat
Life has been pretty sweet lately for artist Robyn Blair Davidson—or as you probably know her from Instagram, @ByRobynBlair. As if she weren’t busy enough making (quite literally!) eye candy, Robyn has also designed her own candy dishes, teamed up with Dormify on a wall print collection, and collabed with Off My Case to create the most delicious phone cases you’ve ever seen. Not bad for someone who uses bodega treats as her main source of inspo.
Much like a last-minute decision to grab a Kit-Kat at the checkout line, Robyn’s entry into the fine art world wasn’t exactly planned. After deciding one day that her Dubble Bubble would look better on her wall than at the bottom of her purse, she created her first piece. And as soon as she started posting her work on Instagram, she blew TF up. Soon enough, she was getting so many requests for her candy creations that she quit her marketing job so she could pursue art full-time. One of those requests came from Cosmo HQ, where our hungry team is always craving sugar.
Delish, right? Keep reading to learn how she turns your fave confections into Insta-worthy pieces plus more wisdom straight from the candy queen herself.
So tell us how you happened to create your very first piece.
Candy has always made me happy, whether I was eating it or looking at it. As I started to care more about my environment at home and making my space a reflection of who I am, it hit me that I wanted to put candy on my wall. I was visualizing the piece in my head and knew exactly what I wanted it to look like—I wanted it to have depth to show off the dimension and texture of my favorite candy packaging. I originally used Dubble Bubble and found the perfect hot-pink color to write “In case of emergency, break glass” across the front of the acrylic case.
When did you first realize you were an artist?
My whole life, I loved everything arts-and-crafts-related, every art class, ceramics class, drawing class, painting, etc. I’ve always felt most comfortable being visual and using my hands. With that said, I never thought about becoming a full-time artist. My background is in marketing and branding. I made my first piece for myself because it made me happy; I didn’t have a single thought about starting a candy-based business or becoming an artist. Soon after, my close friends and family asked for their own pieces, which allowed me to get creative and play around with different colors and textures and candies. They encouraged me to post my pieces on Instagram, and everything took off from there.
You’re obviously inspired by candy. Where else do you seek inspiration?
I’m always drawn to bright colors, interesting fonts, branding, and interior designs.
Okay, dentists, avert your eyes. How much candy do you typically go through? And how much of it do you snack on?
Honestly, I go through hundreds of pounds of candy a month! I definitely go through phases of what I like to eat. Recently, I had to buy more of a candy I was working with…for myself.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever created?
Movie theater boxes are my favorite at the moment. I go back and forth between that and my original Dubble Bubble.
Who’s been your favorite client to work with?
Arielle Charnas [of Something Navy] has been incredible. She’s supported me since day one, buying pieces for Something Navy HQ. I can’t help but think of her as one of my favorite clients, knowing she genuinely loves my pieces and shares them with her network all the time.
Have you had any nightmare clients?
No, but I’ve definitely had clients who require...more attention. At the end of the day, I want everyone to be happy and comfortable with their investment, so it’s my pleasure to take the time to walk them through all their options and make the art-buying experience as enjoyable and fun as possible.
What advice would you give to women who are trying to find success in the art world?
Always stay true to what you love and what you want to surround yourself with.
For those who can’t afford your custom pieces, how can they get their hands on your art?
I’m always working on ways to make pieces that are accessible to everyone. My candy dishes are priced at $245. I partnered with Dormify to create a collection of my candy art as prints priced at $39. I’m also working on some fun brand collaborations and new pieces. The most I can say at the moment is keep checking @ByRobynBlair on Instagram and ByRobynBlair.com for updates!
You Might Also Like
