How much of cultivating a creative life is instinct, and how much of it is choice?
For 35-year-old Frankie Greshoff it’s hard to imagine that she was destined for anything other than becoming the talented, contemporary artist we see today. But the New Zealand born, now Central Coast based beauty had no idea selling her art professionally was even an option - despite feeling a deep creative streak very early on.
“It was never part of the plan,” Frankie admits, irrespective of her seemingly obvious threads of having grown up in a family of art lovers, photographers and artists.
“I’ve always been very artistic. I remember being about eight and having teachers ask me to do drawings for the school newspaper, so I suppose there were some early signs,” she laughs.
From fashion to contemporary design
Now a trained fashion designer, Frankie’s pull to create has always naturally led the way - first studying Art and Design at Auckland’s AUT University, then moving into fashion before unintentionally becoming an artist.
“During the Covid lockdowns, I made myself a makeup bag. I put a photo of it on my Instagram story and was completely surprised when I started getting messages from people asking if they could buy one. So I created an Instagram page - Frankie For Keeps - and started selling them, hundreds of them,” Frankie explains.
It wasn’t long until makeup bags turned into art.
“I would occasionally share some of my line drawings on the page too, and then people started asking if they could buy those. After an unexpected breakup and losing my sewing room in the process I decided to lean into selling my drawings instead.”
The vulnerability of being seen
With her natural abilities validated by clear demand, Frankie recalls that at times, early success could feel slightly unsettling.
“I definitely had to get over the hurdle of being seen and being judged,” she says.
“When I first started sharing my art I challenged myself to share something every day, which weirdly helped because I didn’t give myself enough time to overthink everything. It was almost like ripping off a bandaid.”
“I think there’s definitely bravery and vulnerability that comes with putting your art out into the world. I have so much admiration for singers and songwriters for the same reason. It’s scary to essentially say, ‘Hey! Here’s this thing I made that I think is cool. You can judge it — and me — if you want.”
But after six years of consistently creating and selling her art, Frankie has honed in her approach.
“Most days I try to live in an ignorant bliss fairyland and just share things because I enjoy it without much thought at all. But there are definitely days when I question myself and some days insecurity gets the better of me and I wonder whether I should keep going with it at all. Then, almost every time I think that, something weird happens. I’ll get a notification from my website saying someone has bought a piece of my work, and I take that as my little sign from the universe to keep going.”
There’s something humbling about how Frankie stays centred.
“At the end of the day, it's not about anyone else. I would still make art even if nobody ever saw it. Creating is a form of meditation for me. It fills my cup, and I think that’s the most important thing. Art is so subjective. If you are not an art-lover; abstract art is hard to appreciate so I know that my work is only going to appeal to such a small percentage of people and that is so fine! I’d much rather make something that feels genuinely like me and deeply connects with some people rather than jump on the art trends or try to create something that everyone likes.”
A creative life, at home and beyond
Like many creatives, Frankie also believes you can’t put artistry in a box - instead, it’s a way of life that transcends across home, style and even personal values.
“If you asked me to describe my work in a few words, I’d probably say calm, feminine, colourful and bold — which is funnily enough, how I would describe my personality and kind of the way I dress too.”
“I like to surround myself with things I genuinely love and that make me happy. I think that applies to clothes, art and interiors. I’m drawn to colourful things that have personality and make me feel something,” she says - adding that her early life and the environment she grew up in, has had huge influence.
“My parents have always had a beautiful home filled with art, photography and little objects they’ve collected over the years. Everything has a story behind it and I love that. I think that’s the kind of home I’d ultimately like to create — not necessarily perfect, but layered with things that have meaning and memories attached to them, but also a space that makes me feel calm.”
Upon reflecting on her own childhood, Frankie, who’s now a mum to one-and-a-half-year-old baby girl Olive, is considering what a creative upbringing might look like for her own daughter.
“I want Olive to lean into the things that make her unique and not be shy about them. I hope she grows up knowing she doesn't have to fit in, and that the things that make her different might actually be her superpower. I want her to give things a go, think outside the box and feel confident doing things her own way,” Frankie says.
And perhaps that’s part of what sustains a creative life - the freedom to be yourself, evolve, follow a new fascination or simply trust the process and see where it takes you.
“My style has definitely changed a lot over the years. There have been different styles for different phases of my life, and I think that’s probably a natural part of being creative.”
“It has mostly revealed itself through experimenting, making lots of work and figuring out what I naturally keep coming back to.”
For those wondering if they too should take the plunge into their own creative calling, Frankie encourages people not to hesitate.
“Go for it! You’re probably not going to be amazing straight away (or maybe you will be), but you’ll learn as you go. People enjoy seeing the process and watching someone develop their work. You’ll find your audience, figure out what works for you, what you enjoy, and learn to lean into that. You never really know what’s going to resonate with people. One of my most loved pieces is actually one I nearly didn’t share because I didn’t think it was good enough. It just goes to show that you’re not always the best judge of your own work,” Frankie urges.
The artist is a true testament of the phrase, no risk, no reward. And in this case, hardwork and consistency has favoured the flowing curves, organic silhouettes, striking tones and refreshingly vibrant palettes created by Frankie.
With so many pieces now sold, the knowledge that her work continues to live on in the homes and lives of others long after she’s made it, is a feeling that never gets old.
“I love receiving a photo or video of a piece in its new home. I honestly wish people would send me more!”
“Thinking about this also reminded me of some of the other creative things I’ve made over the years — branding for a beauty brand, illustrations for an Italian fashion brand, a wedding wine bottle and menus, a collection of Christmas cards, an anniversary artwork and so many others. It’s funny to think that these little pieces of my creativity are now just floating around the world somewhere, attached to other people’s memories and stories. I love that idea.”
Making art and a living
On turning creativity into a business? Frankie confesses it’s an ongoing process she's still figuring out.
“Now that my second collection is out in the world, I want to take a minute to regroup. I’ve realised that I’m probably a little exhausted by the marketing and social media side of owning a small business. I love making art but I don’t necessarily love feeling like I need to constantly be on my phone talking about the fact that I make art!”
“I’m trying to think about how I can approach the next few months in a way that feels fulfilling creatively, while also spending a little less time on my phone,” Frankie says, who is also in the throes of planning her wedding!
“Creatively, I’d love to work on some larger, one-off pieces and experiment with a few ideas that I might actually keep for my own home. I’m also preparing to open commissions again, which I’m excited about.”
Beyond that, Frankie says she's comfortable embracing the unknown.
“I’m quite happy to see where things take me. I’ve never been someone who has had a perfectly mapped-out plan — so I'll just see where the wind blows me. Hopefully somewhere fabulous!”
__________________________________
To view Frankie's incredibly diverse and breathtakingly beautiful work head to frankiesforkeeps.com
Join Mode
If you’re drawn to spaces that feel intentional, beautiful, and responsive to who you are - subscribe to Mode by Marx & Co for more refined ideas across interiors, beauty and the art of living well.
Every Sunday, Mode explores the intersection of interiors, psychology, beauty, culture and the art of living well—helping you cultivate an eye for the things that truly deserve your attention.
Subscribe to Mode and join the conversation - delivered to your inbox weekly on a Sunday.