Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kerry Campbell, owner of Kerry Gallery, located in Solana Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm an abstract and figurative artist that provides original, one-of-a-kind artworks for homes and businesses. This includes my signature collection, Metaphorical Relationships, which are minimalist shapes within bold, bright color fields, bringing positive and zen energy into any space, as well as my more edgy feminist series. My artworks adorn homes and businesses throughout the United States and Europe.
Tell us about yourself
I studied studio art in college and got a graduate degree in creative writing. Words play an important part in my artworks. I include love poems with each of my artworks from the Metaphorical Relationships collection, as this collection is about interconnection and relationships. In addition, I use words in my feminist art series to express how women are seen in a patriarchal society or how I see myself as a female painter and feminist.
What motivates me is creative expression as well as social commentary or observation. Art is a very person not only for the artist but also for the people who buy my art. It's an emotional and intellectual connection that people have to my artworks that engages them in a way that also expresses some aspect of themselves. I really enjoy doing commissioned artworks with people because they get to put their own selves into the creative process with me.
In addition, it's an honor to have my works in people's homes. I get lots of feedback that people love their paintings, and they bring them much joy. This always makes me pleased. Art is a long-term investment, and when people really enjoy and appreciate my artworks in their homes, this makes me happy because I put a lot of love and heart into what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I opened a physical gallery and art studio space in Solana Beach, CA, in January 2020. It had long been a dream of mine to own my own gallery, and this was a dream come true. People come into my gallery and buy works off the walls, and they can also see works in progress in my studio space. The gallery is located at 337 S Cedros Ave, Suite D, Solana Beach, CA, in the Cedros Design District, where there are high-end galleries, boutiques, interior designers, and furniture stores.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Getting in front of the right people is the hardest. Art buyers aren't easily identifiable, so it's really about getting the exposure so people can find you, know who you are, and buy from you and support you as an art collector.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It takes time and doesn't happen overnight, so be patient and keep going. Build on each success and accomplishment as much as possible. Be willing to adapt and adjust as needed, network, and learn from others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://kerrycampbellartist.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerryscampbell/
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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