Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in graphics and arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Geraldina Sierra, Founder of CutyDina, located in Colima, Mexico.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business covers everything that includes digital art, such as illustration, comics, children's books, animation, video games, etc.
Tell us about yourself
Since I can remember, I have loved creating projects. I still remember that since I was a child, I used to create comics in my notebooks, and I have always loved drawing. When I started working for a company, I didn't like having to keep a schedule and losing ownership of everything I did, so I decided to start working on my own. My first commission was an avatar asked from a remote work page. Although I did not know how the page worked well in the end, the client didn't pay me for the work. So there, I learned my first important lesson of not touching a pencil until I get an upfront payment.
One of the things that motivate me the most is the fact of creating new things with each new project. Each commission or project is a challenge, and I enjoy that. I love to innovate and try new styles and prove to myself what I am capable of.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Difficult question. I think my commissioned children's books, I guess. I have done my own products, but I have to admit that I'm not very good at the advertising part; also, I'm not a very social person, so not even good at social networks either. That makes me an artist whose products are only known at home.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think it's economic instability and having to think about how to manage your time. It is hard to see how there are months in which you feel useless without income and others in which you don't have free time, and you feel exhausted but also fulfilled. Also, you have to learn a lot of stuff that is out of your working field, such as taxes, estimates, time planning, etc.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First of all, perseverance costs a lot to start, but you must be patient and work hard. You have to be patient and not despair. Also, you need to work on your own projects in the process.
Second, You must understand that in the first years, the income will be low; in my case, I had the fortune to have a husband who supported me in the process, but you have to know that it is difficult to start.
And third, and most important. Having a good portfolio, more than diplomas or degrees. People want to see samples of what you know how to do, and that's something you don't show on paper; you show it in your portfolio. As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cutydina.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeraldinaSierra/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutydina/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldinasierra/
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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