Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Frederic Bertheas, Owner of Dragonfly Distribution Inc., located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a digital artist, and I sell my creations in my Etsy store as well as on other platforms and online marketplaces. Some artists paint with brushes and paint. I create my art with a stylus on a tablet. This allows me to have my files in a digital format, thus making them instantly available on a variety of products and mediums, such as prints on canvas, prints on metal, prints on archival paper, and various home decoration items and gifts.
My typical customers have an appreciation for visual art, unique handmade prints, designs, and home decoration items. Especially it seems, for anything dragonfly themed. They are my best sellers. I love dragonflies! Such fascinating little creatures.
Tell us about yourself
I always have been artistic. For me, a white wall or door is nothing but a canvas waiting for colors. I have decorated many doors and furniture in my house and for friends and families just for fun. Professionally I am a graphic artist and web developer, so being web and computer savvy is also a huge bonus.
A while back, I was commissioned to create a few specific art pieces on canvas, and I got the bug. I started designing and creating more seriously. At that time, the "on-demand printing" business model was starting to expand, and it was a shoo-in for me! All my prints were already digitalized, and soon I was able to have dozens of designs on dozens of items, colors, and sizes. All without having to spend money on inventory, as all my items are only created once an order is placed. Not having to worry about space and money for inventory was a game changer. My imagination could run wild. As far as my biggest motivation: I LOVE what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To date, my biggest accomplishment is working for myself. No more suit and tie, no more endless corporate meetings, no more traffic. :) I am not making a living solely by selling my creations just yet. But I am well on my way. I still rely on consulting on anything e-commerce related to pay the bills, but my sales on various platforms such as Etsy, eBay, and Amazon are increasing month over month. Loving what you do is, if not the key to success, at least, the key to happiness.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me creating is a fun, easy thing to do. But I am no salesman, so the hardest thing is actually marketing myself. Getting eyeballs on my designs and increasing sales without spending too much money and time on marketing is definitively the most challenging part of the business. Social media can help, of course, but that can be very time-consuming as well and is also ever-changing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My pieces of advice are, of course, geared toward art creations and art sales, but here you go:
- Find a niche. Create designs that make you happy. Designs that mean something to you. Fill you and hopefully others with happiness and bliss.
- Working with great "on-demand" fabricators, printers, and partners. For an artist, especially at the beginning, having dozens, if not hundreds, of designs and products available at the click of a mouse, without spending a dime on inventory is priceless—a real game changer.
- Developing a business, successful sales, loyal followers, and repeat customers does not happen overnight. At least not for me. You are in for a marathon, not a sprint. So patience, my grasshopper friend. Patience!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtByFreddyB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtByFreddyB/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyfreddyb/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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