Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddy DePaul.
Hi Maddy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Art has been part of my life since childhood, selling crafts as a kid, then knitting and painting through high school and college. I graduated from UW–Stout and spent a year and a half in organizational development, but kept teaching painting nights at local breweries until I realized the 9–5 wasn’t for me. At the end of 2017 I left my full-time job to pursue art full time and launched Gray Duck Art. A few weeks later I created a “paint your pet” paint-by-number class; after 40–80 hours of development the first event sold out online within hours.
Over the next few years I taught thousands of people, running classes most nights of the week while continuing to create. In 2019 we began offering shipped kits so folks outside Minnesota could join in. When the pandemic hit in 2020, our business pivoted from mostly in-person events to 100% shipped kits overnight- a challenging shift that ultimately helped us scale. Today (2026) Gray Duck Art ships kits nationwide and to Canada, with our paint your pet kit still being the most popular.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course I’ve had a ton of struggles along the way. The biggest bump was definitely COVID-19. It forced our business to flip from about 95% in-person paint-by-number events and 5% shipped kits to 100% shipped kits overnight. We also had to grow into the world of social media fast. I remember going live and saying, “If you’re stuck at home and need a project, we’ve pivoted and would love your support if you want to buy a kit online.” Orders started coming in so fast. It was honestly such a blessing to have so many people support my artists, our business, and me during that crazy time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Several things set Gray Duck Art apart from other paint-by-number companies. First, we mix all our paints fresh at our Minnesota warehouse. It may sound small, but quality paint makes a noticeable difference in the finished piece and the overall painting experience.
The biggest distinction is our artists. Every line on our paint-by-number kits is hand-drawn by a real artist on our team. We don’t use AI or automated conversion software to turn photos into templates. Instead, our artists interpret each photo, simplify shapes thoughtfully, and design number blocks that create depth and preserve personality in the finished painting. That human touch means better composition, clearer color transitions, and more satisfying results for customers.
Beyond materials and artistry, we focus on the whole customer experience: careful kit assembly and quality control, clear instructions for painters of all skill levels, helpful customer support, and flexible options for both shipped kits and in-person events. That combination – fresh, handcrafted materials, genuine artist-made templates, and attentive service is what keeps customers coming back and makes our kits feel like something made just for them.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Minnesota- kind, tough people and all four seasons. I appreciate the mix of nature and city, the thriving small businesses, and of course the great local art scene. It’s a place that inspires creativity and community, and I’m proud to call it home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://grayduckart.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/grayduckart
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/grayduckart
