Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tom Wood, Founder of TomDWood Art, located in Sandy, UT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I create drawings from my imagination, and I sell prints of the drawings. The subject of my drawings is nearly always figurative and portrait. I like to explore human issues, concerns, and questions. Although my drawings are realistic and symbolic, my settings are somewhat surreal. I prefer that the viewer arrives at their own meaning for my work because my work is intended to pose questions. It is that interaction between the viewer and my work that I seek most.
Tell us about yourself
I was an art teacher for many years at a public high school. During that time, I worked on developing my own art after hours. Once I retired from teaching, I dove full-time into creating my own art with the idea I would sell it somehow. I first tried paying for booths at art-oriented fairs and gatherings such as Comicon, FearCon, FantasyCom, and so on. Although I sold a fair amount of my prints, I didn't really make a huge amount of money. The subject of my prints didn't entirely match the themes of the fairs (however, I did have a Halloween series of prints that did well at FearCon), so I knew I had to find an audience that appreciates the prints of my drawings. I draw every day and create new things to give my life a sense of purpose and direction, but I need to find a market for my work so I can earn some money. So I guess what drives me is my love for drawing and my need for an income.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far would be my current website. I have had websites in the past, but they didn't attract much attention. I got some help to build it, and the one I have now is geared toward sales. Once I find my audience, I should be able to sell my prints. I am currently working with a group to help me market my prints, so I feel like I'm on my way to some success.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The most difficult thing about owning a small art print business is, in a word, MARKETING. I know there are people who will appreciate and buy my prints, but it is up to me to find them. That search takes me out of my area of expertise and out of my comfort zone, but it must be done and done well.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a website that makes it easy to view and sell your work.
- Find your audience and actively market your product to them. Don't wait for them to find you; you must find them. There is too much competition out there to expect people to find you. You must reach out to them.
- Have enough passion and commitment to your product that you can endure all the work that marketing will require of you. Believe in yourself!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tomdwoodart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomdWoodart/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomdwoodart/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
