It is interesting for this technophobe to watch the response to Facebook posts, LinkedIn and blogs, in terms of number of engagements, followers, likes, comments and the subsequent commissions requests.
For some time now I have been planting the seed that I am the person to approach if you are looking for a unique gift for someone special or for a birthday, anniversary etc. I wondered whether this personal shopper idea where create the specific gift that you cannot buy in the shops would take off. I guess I adopted a watch and wait approach.
To my surprise these seeds have taken hold and the fresh growth of referrals for commissions are now sprouting. I have had my busiest two weeks since I started trading. It has been particularly pleasing to see demand for pen and ink pointillism commissions, my preferred medium / style now.
I completed a seagull and crow on a wall with Ravenscraig steelworks behind them ( unique back story to that one ) , two Rottweilers, two spaniels, the Cat Protection league building ( a Vet colleague was leaving ) and several more on the list, including a view of a commemorative bench with the backdrop of Arthur’s seat in Edinburgh.
How would you feel if someone took the time to have something unique commissioned for you? With the second wave of Covid and further lockdown looming, I think I will be able to keep myself gainfully employed. It feels as if all of the hard work has paid off.
Art is a profession built on reputation, customer satisfaction and word of mouth recommendations. There really is no substitute for taking the time to build this, painting by painting, drawing by drawing and in my case dot by dot. I am pleased to say that several customers are repeat customers, with several pieces of artwork on their walls.
I have heard people say that they are growing as an artist. Until recently I didn’t appreciate what that meant ... now I feel it. I have truly found my own style and groove and it feels good. With each picture I am developing my technique and repertoire.
What is next ...onwards and upwards.