Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Moran, a hot glass sculptor and mixed media artist based in Ghent, Belgium.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an American artist working mainly with hot glass and mixed media. I create sculptures for galleries, museums, and private clients. Most of my customers are fans of counterculture, art, and politics. There are three main types of customers: people who are buying art for the first time - they are typically interested in clothing or the smaller, more affordable pieces long-time art collectors, who are more interested in large-scale pieces or companies interested in one-of-a-kind commissioned work.
Tell us about yourself
It has been my dream to become an artist, not solely surviving, but making a place for myself in the history books. After graduating from school and working several odd jobs, I realized that the only way to survive as an artist and make an impact was to treat it like a business, focusing on several aspects of the creative industry. One of the most rewarding parts of my creative career is hearing from a customer about my work's impact on them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2022, I was a contestant on the competitive glass-making reality show, Blown Away Season 3 on Netflix. Being a part of this competition was amazing and gave me global recognition and attention. On top of simply being a part of this competition, I came out on top!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is balancing all of the responsibilities and tasks with being creative and producing new work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid of failure.
- If it feels right, go for it.
- Nothing happens quickly, be persistent.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.backdoorart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnsleepymoran
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnsleepymoran/
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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