We frequently get e-mails asking for advice from other artists looking to start their own business or continue their education.  I will post some here as well as sharing a few of the mistakes we’ve learned from bigtime recommendations we make.  ;)  Here are a few e-mails received: 

JR from Florida writes:  I am a painter and I’ve been getting into faux finishes. I’ve been doing suede for years and it’s safe to say I’ve mastered it. I’m starting to get into venetian plaster and what I’m finding is that there is a ton of things that can be done to it. Metallics as well. I am 100% self taught, never worked with anyone. Lately I’m starting to ask questions that other painters and the paint store can’t answer. I saw your website and now I know that these things are possible, I just don’t know how to get there. Do you have any advice on how I can learn different techniques?

Mo from Florida writes:  We also do Faux Art.  We just want to tell you what great talent you have been given! God bless your hands!! W-O-W!!!  Would love to learn some things from you!

Michael from Wisconsin writes:  Hi, I’m an artist and starting my own business as a decorative interior painter.  I have so many questions for you. I thought it was very gracious of you to invite up-and-comers such as myself to pick your brains about the logistics of this type of business. I’ve been working for an internationally known decorating studio for many years and decided to go on my own. After finding your website I am tempted to ask for employment with you!   After all, you are located in a state that I have wanted to relocate to. If we could have dialect, it would be most appreciated. Thank you! 

Mike from Florida writes:  I am a master drywall finisher (17 years of playing in the mud) and have been introduced to faux.  I love it and am trying to expand into this direction but don’t really know where to start.  I’ve been researching on the net and must say that you guys are absolutely amazing.  I just wanted to give you guys a thumbs up and if you could give me any good advice I would be extremely appreciative.  Keep up the inspiration.  Thanks! 

Who wouldn’t feel good after a hard day’s night to come home to those words and know that others have a genuine interest in the career you adore?  I’m truly a lucky, lucky person.  Well, here are some recommendations:

1)  Soul-searching - There are so many avenues in this business, so, before you make another move, please sit down and decide what you truly like to do.  There are things that our company does that some don’t do — are you willing to glaze 25′ walls?  Would you like to work on exteriors at high altitudes?  Are you willing to travel for weeks at a time?  (It’s like being on tour – sounds glamorous, but it’s a lot of work and you don’t get much time to see the location fully.)  How labor-intensive do you want to get?  I know some artists that do not want to extend themselves — they just want to paint beautiful murals on 9′ walls or less…and it works for them!  Our company doesn’t get into concrete or much floor work but other faux finishers thrive on it.  It helps to be clear on your boundaries, what surfaces you are willing to work on and what kind of commissions you’d like to have.  Once you have established this, then you can move on into what kind of classes fit your business model.

2)  Professional Classes - Books and self-exploration can only take you so far and I can’t stress this enough: it’s extremely helpful to get expert advice and training.  Every year, we travel to take at least two classes and go to several conventions…otherwise, your work portfolio becomes stale and you are not tuned in to new products, finishes and innovations.  Pro classes run about $650 (two days) - $1,950 (a full week) each.  Might sound like a lot but it is an investment: in many cases, if you sell just one finish you learned, it could quickly repay itself.  It also frees you up to take creative leaps from what you learned and discover new uncharted finishes for yourself.  Some great schools to consider are Dundean Studios, Sarasota School of Faux & Architectural Finishing, The Finishing School, School of Italian Plasters, Faux by Kathy, Modello Workshops and Faux Works Studio.  There are many other quality schools out there.  Googling will help you find some in your area. 

3)  Apprenticeships - If desired, try to find employment with an established firm.  A good project manager will be helpful and patient with your experience, if limited.  Under their guidance and supervision, a company can help you perfect a finish, explain pitfalls to look out for and introduce you to new products.  When we bring someone new in, we make sure to know what their goals are, what their knowledge is and what they like to do.  This helps us tailor a jobsite better and ensures that all of us are happy — and happy artists produce beautiful work.

4)  Networking - There are so many good groups and online forums to meet other artists, get great advice, share recipes and gain inspirational ideas from a picture gallery.  A great group to join is SALI and they have many state chapters.  (They also have a fantastic rate on residential liability insurance.  If you’re like me and plan to do commercial work, then you’re stuck paying the big bucks for insurance.)  A great online forum that I’ve talked about before is Talk Faux.  Also, take the time to get to know your fellow area artisans.  Although a few will be secretive and not social, most will enjoy having another ally and work/referral resource.  Some of the local artists are among my best friends and we help each other a lot.

There are some great media recommendations as well: business-wise I recommend Making Money with Your Creative Paint Finishes by Lynette Harris and recipe-wise any books or videos by Gary Lord, Melanie Royals or the first book by my new friend, Curtis Heuser, can jumpstart creativity. 

Hope this has helped a bit — talk to you soon!