Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patrick Skals, Owner of Patrick Skals Art, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a professional artist - specifically a conceptual artist. I create mixed media paintings that convey psycho-cultural commentary achieved by fusing abstraction and language. Due to the subject matter of my art, my target audience is working professionals aged 30-60 with post-secondary backgrounds and a thirst for being informed on current affairs and contemporary culture.

Tell us about yourself

Many moons ago, I decided to pass on Art School and instead get a Bachelor of Business degree. After graduating, I spent ten years working in corporate marketing. It was there that I realized I hate the rat race and the politics of corporate. It was affecting my mental health, so I figured I should work toward something I love - art. I decided to slowly build my art business from 2015-2020 and became a full-time artist. I made the transition practically - first proving to myself that I had an audience and I could make a good income. In hindsight, my business background has been my greatest asset. I consider myself a small business owner first and an artist second. There's a stigma about the "starving artist." I work daily to disprove that and push my art career further ahead.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment is pushing my fears and insecurities aside, pursuing this risky career as an artist, and building it into a 6 figure business.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Keeping structure in my day and keeping motivated. When you are used to working for someone your entire life, suddenly, when you are your own boss, it's easy to take a break, watch some Netflix, take a nap or procrastinate. I overcome all this by working from a local coffee shop each morning for 4-5 hours. And then spend 4-5 hours in the studio - whether I want to or not! If I feel uninspired, I will make room for non-work activities (walks in nature, going to a local gallery or museum, etc.) to get the creative juices going. In a sense, that doesn't make it strictly leisure.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find something you are truly passionate about that also has the potential to make you a good income.
  2. Keep it a side hustle until you are ready to take it on full-time. Or dive in headfirst! But make sure you know there's a market ready to purchase the product or service you offer.
  3. Hustle. Hustle. Hustle. Be ambitious. Park your fears and doubts to the side. And embrace and expect failures on your road to success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://patrickskalsart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pskals.art
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pskals.art/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pskals/

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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