Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Wetterlin, owner of Fine Art & Portrait Restoration, located in Fairview Heights, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business involves an array of creative endeavors. I am a fine art painter. I do people and pet portraits. I also restore most paintings that can be restored. I also do building signage and have done murals in the past. My fine art, when not being commissioned, is abstract and sometimes mixed media. My customers range from wanting pet portraits or people portraits to painting restoration or companies needing signage.
Tell us about yourself
My love of anything creative in the fine art field started in junior high. I began with pastels, and then by high school, I began painting in acrylic paint. I started volunteering my pet portraits for local animal shelters to help raise money through silent auctions. Word spread about my work, and I began doing commissioned work for families and families with pets. I also do some commissioned work for an interior designer in the STL metro area at times.
What motivates me each day is knowing I will use my own personal style to capture the essence of a person or pet or restore a piece of art that is dear to someone. I love to be expressive and whimsical in my commissioned work. If I can bring a smile to someone’s face with my work, that makes my day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is the large signage I did for Gioia’s Deli. It’s well known in “The Hill” area of St.Louis, MO.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I find that I am my own worst critic, so I never know when a project is done because I keep tweaking my work. Also, keeping track of time and materials can be tedious but necessary for pricing my work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand your customer base.
- Take into account the space needed for your business.
- Always take advantage of tax deductions!
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyvizart/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_wetterlin/
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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