Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Petra Baral, an Author & Artist based in Stuttgart, Germany.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m a full-time artist, who focuses on creating unique, colorful acrylic paintings in my signature style, inspired by Greek mythology and life itself. Sometimes I make commissions for clients and dabble in other art forms and styles, such as ceramics, oil paintings, realism, and abstract. I’ve also written a children‘s book, as well as poems and aphorisms. My customers are primarily art collectors and art lovers from all over the world, who favor unique and vibrant pieces of art that have meaning, brighten any room, and inspire the viewer to dream.
Tell us about yourself
For as long as I can think, I’ve wanted to paint and be an artist. Nowadays, I’ve been working in the art business for almost 40 years. Right after I completed my art studies at Freie Kunstschule in Stuttgart, Germany, I started working as a freelance illustrator and creating more artwork in my signature style. My motivation to create art every day is my intrinsic passion for art and creating something out of „nothing. “
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments as an artist would be the network of international collectors, which I have built over the years. What I also view as a big accomplishment as an artist is that I can say that my art relates to people and inspires them to imagine and dream of the beauty of life through the stories depicted in them.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think for a lot of artists and creators, the whole business side of being a professional artist is hard. Also, marketing yourself on social media and running a successful business is a constant learning process. As an artist, all you want to do is create and be creative, and dealing with accounting, laws, regulations, etc., is kind of the opposite of that.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your own unique style of expression and stick to it.
- Networking and building a community of supporters.
- Have a plan B. Not everyone can become a full-time artist.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.petra-baral.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petra.baral.9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petraangelabaral/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PetraBaral
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petrabaral/
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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