How a Rhode Island Artist Built a Coastal Brand That Supports Creatives

For Veronique Godbout, art was never just about aesthetics – it was about crafting a life filled with purpose, connection, and bold color. “Atelier Vero was born from my desire to create a joyful, colorful space where I could fully express myself as an artist – and help others feel that freedom too,” she says.

Born and raised in Quebec, Veronique brings a unique blend of French Canadian roots and coastal New England charm to her art. Now based in Exeter, she has transformed that personal vision into Atelier Vero, a vibrant brand that blends artistic expression with community support. What started as hand-drawn illustrations of seaside moments quickly evolved into prints, tote bags, pouches, and coastal-inspired décor – all infused with whimsy and joy.

Her journey wasn’t linear. Years of relocating for her husband’s military career took her across the country. When the couple returned to Rhode Island – a place where she had vacationed as a teenager – it felt like coming home. That emotional reconnection now infuses her work. “The light, the rhythm of the waves, the colors, the shells, the breeze – it all finds its way into my art,” she says.

While building Atelier Vero, Godbout faced challenges, particularly in navigating the wholesale side of the art world. “When shops first asked if I sold wholesale, I didn’t even know what a line sheet was,” she recalls. Through trial and error, she discovered what it takes to present professionally to retailers. That learning curve led her to create Line Sheets for Creatives, a practical workbook that demystifies wholesale for other artists.

“It’s everything I wish I had when I was starting out,” she says. “Having a clear, well-structured line sheet signals that you’re ready for business.” The workbook guides artists through pricing strategies, product photography, inventory planning, and more. “Many artists jump into wholesale with enthusiasm but overlook key steps,” Godbout explains. “This guide helps them slow down, get organized, and move forward with confidence.”

Building on the success of the workbook, she launched Wholesale for Creatives, an educational platform offering live and on-demand workshops, plug-and-play templates, and email scripts tailored to small-batch makers. “The most meaningful feedback I receive is when someone says, ‘This finally makes sense to me,’” she shares.

Despite the hustle of running a full-time business, Godbout remains grounded in the joy of creating. “I love what I do – it’s a hustle, but it’s fulfilling,” she says. “Atelier Vero is my heart. Helping others build their own creative path is the most rewarding part.” To learn more or purchase the Line Sheets for Creatives workbook, visit AtelierVero.com, TheWholesaleMasterClass.com, or The Wholesale Toolkit.