This nasty virus has certainly changed the way we live and play. As the owner of Studio U, a small business and art studio, it made me take a deep breath. How could my business survive with no income. Looking around at all the local businesses, especially small businesses, I noticed how creative they were getting in sharing their products and services. They were thinking outside the box.! The coffee shop next to my studio started whipping up their customers’ favorite lattes and putting them into a big mason jars, which could then be refilled the following week. How ingenious! My other neighbor who owns a kids’ book and toy store started having live story time and then they put their inventory on-line so people could shop. They would then deliver the merchandise to the customer.
Hmmm, my head was swirling as I considered what I had to offer. What could I do to deliver my products and services, which is ART! I absolutely love teaching art classes to kids and adults. I’m a people person. I enjoy the interaction and seeing their smiles when they’ve completed their projects. I half- heartedly thought about putting together painting kits for kids which I could deliver. So I went to social media and posted a few pics of paintings I’ve done for kids and waited to see if there was any interest. Before too long Moms where messaging me to order the kits for their kids, complete with instructions, paint and a pre-drawn canvas. Then I started to get requests for other characters like a dinosaur, family pet and unicorn. Although I was missing the one-on-one interaction I was thrilled to get messages afterwards showing the kids holding their finished artwork with big smiles. Ahhh, the virtual smile was all worth it. Their parents were happy too since it gave them some time to do what they wanted. I started to get repeat business and referrals. I also started to get requests for paintings that adults could do.
I’ve expanded my mobile business to include mixed media and projects for adults. I enjoy the process of creating the projects and packaging the supplies up to deliver. Once the kits are ready I don my mask and gloves and drop the packages off at the designated spot at the customer’s home. Then I send them a message that the package has been delivered.
So what’s my next step? I just got a tripod for my phone and plan to do some art classes and demonstrations on-line. Who knows I may try to do a virtual kids’ art camp. I had been planning to do an art camp this summer before this virus hit.
The virus has forced me to think outside the box and it’s a good thing, perhaps a new normal. It’s also taught me you can teach an old dog new tricks. Well I better go and set up my tripod so I can do some virtual art.
Stay healthy, remember to think outside the box and just create!
You can reach Denise at the Studio U Facebook Page, their website or by calling (717) 377-4678
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