The most diverse multi-media artist whose spirit-driven process tells the unique stories of his arts’ inception.
Lockhart Gallery
Why did you start your business?
I am a fine artist. My business consists of fine art, illustration, and graphic design, but I’m pushing more into the fine art side right now. When people view my art, I want them to love what they see, gain some inspiration for their day or lifetime, and encourage them in some way. I want people to gravitate towards my art and see it as an amazing piece to add to their home, business or to give as a gift to someone else.
What are your most popular products? Why do people love them?
I use a variety of mediums, so I have to say my art style, since that would encompass it all. People find my art very inspiring. It helps them to think. It helps them be motivated and to push forward in life through all the issues of the world that are going on today.
What is one of the most important lessons you learn from running your own business?
That there are times where you must be able to do it all, especially in the beginning. Then, you can get help in other aspects. You cannot be unwilling, or say I won’t do this because those are the things that you need to do with any business. Eventually, you may be successful enough to have someone else run other aspects for you. Then, you can focus on doing the aspects that you love while at the same time be knowledgeable about every part of your business. It will be your vision that helps it flourish and develop. You’ll be able to help your business branch out and be a better business that’s not one dimensional, but many dimensions.
What is the thing you’re most proud of when it comes to your business?
I’m most proud of being able to connect with people. One of the highlights, so far of my career, happened last year. I was commissioned to do a piece from a gentleman, named Peter Parros, who plays on the show The Have and Have-Nots. He commissioned me to do a piece for Tyler Perry’s 50th birthday. I was able to take it to him in Atlanta and present it to him at his studio right before he had the big gala!
What is one piece of advice you would give your consumers? What do you want your consumers to know?
The advice I would give to my consumers is to purchase what you love. Think about it as something that is going to be around for a long period of time. When you purchase something cheap, it’s going to be okay for a short period of time, but then it breaks, or it loses its value. It’s important to purchase quality, especially when dealing with art. You’re buying something as an investment for your family. So many people don’t realize that art is an investment just like real estate or the stock market. It’s something that you can use at a different time if you have to end up selling it later on. Art holds its value for the most part. What I want my consumers to know about me is that I put a lot of value, a lot of time, lot of effort, and a lot of research into my work as I cultivate my pieces. I’m a mixed media artist, so I put a lot of imagery into my pieces. I love color, and I love being able to create something that will bring life to someone’s home or their business.
What is one piece of advice you would give to entrepreneurs like yourself?
I have a piece that I have called, “The Dive.” This particular piece is based around the times when you’re walking in faith or believing in yourself and your business. You may have people who come at you from different angles, and you question your decisions. They say, “Why would I do this? This is not the right or opportune time. You know, I can’t do this.” That’s why it’s very important to find yourself a mentor and someone who can encourage you. Someone who has done it. Someone who you can lean upon instead of dealing with the naysayers. You have to put your time and effort into your work. You have to put in the practice. Practice makes proficiency. It makes things permanent, but it doesn’t always make things perfect. It does make you more efficient, and your work more credible when people see you putting the time and the effort into your business, I believe that’s when you start attracting open doors and opportunities.
