May 14, 2025
Sydney's sun might get harsher each year but John doesn't just endure: he excels.
John has been a licensed and qualified painter for the past 7 years. But his journey to painting walls began in a completely different field: rehabilitation counseling.
Table of ContentsThough painting and rehabilitation counseling are two different fields, John notes they share one thing in common: they both breathe new life into the people in the space.
Starting from scratch in the painting industry wasn't easy. John learned everything on his own, but his background in counseling gave him a unique advantage when connecting with customers.
John shares that he enjoys chatting with customers and finds their stories interesting. This ability to connect has made him not just a painter. He is someone who understands the emotional significance behind each project.
Ask John about his most memorable painting job, and his expression softens immediately. He recalls an elderly couple with an aging house who had saved every dollar possible—giving up travels and other luxuries—to repaint their home for their children before they passed.
When he heard that story, it was very special for him. At the end of the job, the couple was very happy with his work and grateful. John shares that he got really emotional because it reminded him of his parents in South Korea. For him, that was the most rewarding job.
John still remembers his first painting job, though not entirely fondly. He gives a laugh before sharing that it was horrible. Even with training, he found that you'd think you could do everything—but working on-site was totally different.
The reality of that first day was humbling. It was as if he didn't know what the tools were for or what their names were. He tried his best, and at the end of the day, he was wrecked.
But John persevered. After a few more projects, he got the hang of it and discovered the special satisfaction that comes from seeing a client's face light up when they see their transformed space.
When asked about the most challenging aspect of painting, John grimaces slightly. After careful consideration, he replied: being out in the Sydney sun when the weather is hot. For him, it's an endurance test. He notes how the summers are getting hotter and hotter.
But that won't make him give up his paint rollers soon. His creativity needs a channel and he continues to delight in the happiness he brings to homeowners in Sydney and its suburbs.
John's skills extend beyond painting—he's also become what he calls "an accidental dog-sitter," a role he unexpectedly excels at.
Many homes in Sydney, whether in the city or suburbs, have pets. Sometimes he's left alone with the dogs, and they get rowdy, overly friendly, and—when they have the chance—they try to escape. But being responsible, John makes sure he gets the painting job done and gets the dogs home safely.
Outside work hours, John nurtures an unexpected hobby: wine blind-tasting. He says it helps his ability to visualize and imagine, drawing a surprising connection between his leisure activity and his professional craft.
His dream project? Painting a charming street that would become a destination in itself—"like Notting Hill in London or one of the hilly streets in San Francisco." He sees so much potential in Sydney and would love to find an old, quaint street he could transform into an iconic space.
When it comes to personal preference, John gravitates toward black and white themes. He prefers a minimal, modern look, and he noted that furniture styles are also trending that way.
For anyone wanting to repaint their house, John offers this pro tip: consider all the factors in your space. Think about the furniture, the flooring, the lighting—and how your chosen color will interact with those elements.
It's this thoughtful approach to his craft that sets John and his company, "Feel the Paint," apart. It's his understanding that painting isn't just about color, but about how that color brings new life and energy to the spaces we call home.
SnapTradie is lucky to have John in our network of experienced tradies.
If you're looking for a professional painter near you, look no further. John Lee, along with the rest of SnapTradie's vetted painters, can bring new energy and colours into your space.
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