Amy Turk

*MINI ART EMPIRES IN THE ROUGH*

"Daybreak Designs is an innovative grassroots business venture for women in transition. The women achieve economic self-sufficiency by actively participating in the design, development, and maintenance of a small arts and crafts business."-Amy TurkMy friend and graphic designer Terese Harris asked if I would give a presentation at Daybreak, a program within OPCC, which is a network of shelters, and services for low-income and homeless individuals, and people living with mental illness.I was introduced to Amy Turk the Director ofDaybreak. She oversees a continuum of services at Daybreak including a drop-in center, two shelters, a supportive day program, permanent supportive housing programs, and a member-run arts and crafts business called Daybreak Designs. After my presentation I saw some of the arts, and handicraft created by the women who were helped by Daybreak. It became clear we had another group ofmini art empires in the rough! Here are interviews with Amy, and three of the artists.Greg: Tell me more about the store you have set up to sell the women's creations.Amy: Daybreak Designs is an innovative grassroots business venture for women in transition. The women achieve economic self-sufficiency by actively participating in the design, development and maintenance of a small arts and crafts business. The artists and craftswomen are overcoming and managing the dual challenges of homelessness and mental illness. The business started over ten years ago when a volunteer taught some members a particular way of making greeting cards and jewelry. We then realized a wealth of artistic talent among Daybreak members and opened up our building for community sales. The majority of the proceeds return directly to the hands of the creators and the remainder helps the business move forward. We now have a permanent store located in our new building, four open-house sales a year, and travel to art fairs and to various community events.

*Annual Spring Sale, May 6th and 7th! Go support these women!!

To continue the growth of our business, we are gearing up for our online presence on OPCC’s website and we will gladly partner with events throughout Los Angeles to sell our items.

Pamela

Greg:What are some of the successes you have seen so far with women selling their work?Amy: A number of members have been able to incubate their business at Daybreak Designs and then be able to go out on their own. One in particular has her own website and sells her items privately. Most of the members spend the majority of their monthly benefits on housing costs. The added income from Daybreak Designs helps supplement limited incomes and helps the women enjoy life more on their own terms. Many of the members never believed that anyone would appreciate their work; therefore, the business helps increase self esteem and determination.

Pamela, Linda, and Dasha are women who arrived at Daybreak with different stories, but are now ardent entrepreneurs creating and selling their art.Pamela- I developed my mental illness during the 80’s while on an overseas program in Germany.  I came to Daybreak with a reference and stayed approximately one year. I am a student, taking art, dancing and other subjects that help with self-esteem.  My present focus is helping children and adults in that area.  I am writing with the intention of creating books, centered on self-esteem also included is the teaching of languages.I recently, within the past few years, have taken jewelry making, etching, painting, ceramic…classes, widening my artistic perception.  I now silversmith, bead…creating wonderful pieces of art.  I love to nurture this side of my brain, as I have been more of an intellect.

Linda

Linda Abbott: I lived with depression for forty years, and ended up living on the streets in Santa Monica.  After being hospitalized for my depression I was referred to Daybreak Shelter, became involved in Daybreak WIND (Women in New Directions) program, from there I became a Daybreak Designs artist/ member.  Daybreak has been a crucial part in helping stabilize and through the program I have obtained permanent housing and continue to live in my apartment.Since moving into my apartment I became more involved in Daybreak Designs, serving as secretary even President of Daybreak Designs.

Greg: Tell us about the process behind your creations?Pamela: My designs are inspired from images in/from my mind.  I put my supplies in front of me and give birth. I love handmade items that show originality, taste and personality.  It rarely takes more than a day or two to finish a project.  I pour silver, make templates, bead… I create with the intention of my customers enjoying my artistic expression. I want images of myself dangling from the human body.

Linda: My real passion in life is caring for orphan kittens and placing them with loving families.  My creativity has always been a part of me through crocheting.  I started creating gems trees in 1994. In making the gem trees I usually have a general idea of what they will look like, however the tree tends to develop and grow on their own.  I use craft wire and semi precious gem stones.When depressed I see everything as ‘UGLY and HOPELESS,” the tree reminds me of God's unconditional love and all the beauty we can find within each of us. All we need to do is look for it!

Dasha: I use the computer, camera – for multimedia; amber, leather, etc. – for jewelry; acrylics- painting.Her website.Greg: Who has supported your vision so far by purchasing your work? Pamela: My customers are a product of Daybreak Designs.Dasha: I don’t know them.Linda: I created my crafts for pleasure and to give as gifts to family and friends. It took Daybreak, and my healing process to believe that people generally liked them and it was something they would want to buy. People tell me how much they enjoy the items and this builds my self esteem and makes me feel worthy.

Greg: What is one of your dreams for the future?Linda: My dreams for the future ~ have loving homes for all the homeless kittens, and to be self supportive.Pamela: A dream is to be a designer of authentic outstanding jewelry, selling to please my customers, they are always right.  I would prefer a large scope, ranging from young to old, rich to poor, serving all magnitudes.Dasha: Helping as many people as possible to start celebrating their lives.

Greg: Amy, any final words?Amy:OPCC is in the business of saving lives. We have been providing extensive services on the Westside of Los Angeles for nearly 50 years. We pride ourselves in doing the hard work to create better policy and to end atrocities like homelessness. We do this one individual at a time and we see deep and lasting positive changes in this way. We also do this on a political level so that oppressed individuals are not overlooked for lack of money, for lack of a home, or because of a disability.

Thank you Amy, Pamela, Linda, and Dasha! You are truly inspirations of the heart and a reminders that there is a beautiful potential in each of us.To your empowerment and prosperity,Greg

Rob Hann

My last two posts "MINI ART EMPIRES IN THE ROUGH, Street Artists make a living selling directly to the public" inspired some interesting comments from readers on handmade spark and on my Blog that I would like to share. People were amazed that artists could sell art on the street and make an income that would rival (and surpass) animator and concept designer wages working in the film and game industries. Here are some remarks from people around the world...

"Amazing figures you had on their income. Had no idea it was that high, and that's GREAT!!!"

"I love to see artists taking a non-traditional path and succeeding with it."-Jacqueline Dover

Ron Jones

"Loved reading about these talented artists and the fact that they're out in the streets. It's art for the masses where everyone can appreciate it. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself and your work on display like that. Receiving a income out of it is even better."-Amber Jordan

"I didn’t know there were artists selling on the streets of NY... I wish I could set up shop on the street here in France, but unfortunately it’s not legal... Also, were there any women out there?-Laura

Yes there were women selling art.

Pedro

"So interesting that this economy has put some people on the streets...and they are succeeding! I know the same thing is happening with chefs, restaurant business has slowed down so they buy big carts and sell their delicious food on the streets..."-Ravenhairedshop

"We have a lot of street artist here in New Orleans; the city is starting to reevaluate their permitting...I hope they leave them be!!! -Lisa LeBlanc

Ray Sumser

The comment you made about "Living outside the corporate model"-----I can relate to this all too well. Throughout my high school years we always attended career days, military, radiology, nursing, mechanic, but never an entrepreneurial themed day. I recently turned 38, yes I can admit my age, and it took me this long to finally figure out what I want to do with my life in terms of my career. I've been working in the healthcare field for the past 20 yrs, and don't get me wrong, I enjoy my work and feel blessed at all the special people I've met, but my true passion is what drives me to work very hard to be an independent artist."-Jennifer Schulting

The art spirit will not be denied!

Kurt McRobert

I love this series! It has been really eye opening to realize that these artists are not starving..they are thriving! Very encouraging to see authenticity "in the rough" as well. Thanks Greg!-Amber Jordan

When winter arrives where do they go? Just curious...

Believe it or not they are out there in winter too, unless it's really stormy or snowing. The cold does not stop them. They just bundle up.

Prince Street will be a definite stop for me "when" I visit NYC.

So now the street artists of Prince street  have become a tourist destination! It is amazing what can happen when you put yourself out there. Keep living in that art spirit everyone!

Peace and prosperity,

Greg

Photos by Spalenka

*MINI ART EMPIRES IN THE ROUGH*Street Artists make a living selling directly to the public. (part 2)

The concept of creating income doing what you really love is difficult for most people to comprehend. We were not brought up to think that way. Generally we passed from elementary school through high school and college with the idea firmly planted in our heads that we were preparing ourselves to get a job. Aptitude and skill set were the criteria that determined what job you would fit into. Entrepreneurial possibilities were not considered.If you were an artist you had generally four choices:1. Gallery Worlds: Commercial to blue chip, take your pick. This usually entailed earning a masters degree so you could teach to compensate for the sparse income made as a fine artist.2. Commercial Art: Included graphic/industrial designers, film makers, architects, photographers, illustrators (publishing, advertising), concept designers (film, and now games).3. Become a starving artist.4. Make your art a hobby.I have been an industry artist in publishing and film for many years. It was only through showcasing my art for 20 years at the San Diego Comic Convention that I came to the realization that it's possible to make a living outside the corporate model. The internet opened new possibilities of promotion, but connecting one on one with your fans, patrons, and collectors changed everything. The growth of the handmade movement attests to this shift.Street artists have been doing this forever! Their marketing techniques could be more savvy, but they have talent, passion, goals, and make a living doing what they love.

Ron Jones

Ron Jones went to Parsons. He has been selling on the street for years. His work was very linear and graphic, almost graffiti like but with a sophisticated finish. All painted on plywood. "I love your work, Ron. Can I see you online?" I asked. "Not yet. I have to get my website up," he said. "I would really like to be in more galleries," he added.

Ron gave me his business card. Upon closer inspection I realized this was an original drawing made with markers! Every card was a piece of art. He even had his working hours on the back of it, Mon thru Sun. I noticed that this promo was made over the note pad paper of another artist agent with his URL on it (showing through the black bar at the bottom of the promo). "Are you represented by this agent?" I asked. "No. I just used that paper to make the card. I recycle paper all the time." Ron looked more closely at the printed words showing through his black marker.

"You are promoting your competition, Ron!" I exclaimed. "Damn," he said, "You want me to cut that part off?" Ron is very talented and creating some very cool work. With a little more marketing refinement he could be expanding his art empire in a big way.

Rob Hann

Rob Hann has been a professional photographer for many years with clients such as Times Magazine, The Telegraph Magazine, Monocle, Carl*s Cars, Wired, Time Out, The Independent On Sunday Review, Q Magazine, Glamour, as well as all the record labels. Born in Salisbury, England he has lived here full time since 2003.

When commercial work dried up he took his art to the streets out of desperation. Now he says he actually enjoys his intimate gallery on Prince st. "You have some people who will roll their eyes when they walk by but most people are really nice and enjoy the work," he smiled.

Rob Hann

Rob's set up was very clean and presented with a designers touch. Prints were impeccably matted and protected under mylar sleeves. His promos were printed postcards. Everything reflected his sophistication as a professional. Even his chair fit in.

Rob Hann

Rob works on personal photography projects around the US. "I love shooting photos of America and it's people," he says. "How are your prints selling?" I asked. "Every day is different. Right now I am just getting by, but at least I am getting by," he said in a British accent.

Rob Hann

I mentioned it is different selling this way than having a freelance gig you are called upon to shoot." "Yes it is," he replied still smiling.

Vartouhi Zerdelian-Pinkston's street side set up was unique in that she added an enterprising spin to it. Vartouhi had her father holding down the shop! "She is at home with the kids, working," he said. Talk about taking the street art business a whole new level.

Vartouhi was born in New York City in 1973. Her website states, "her work is admired and sold in the United States and countries such as England, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Greece and Japan. In the Summer of 2009, her etchings were exhibited at the Swirbul Library Gallery, Adelphi University, New York."

Vartouhi's small intricate etchings (usually and inch or two in size) are fantastical gems that could be viewed through a magnifying glass.

Her father proudly pointed out the children picture books she had written and self published. His warm attitude and obvious love for his daughter brought a nice energy to their set up. With some attention to her booth design and presentation Vartouhi could make an even finer presence on the streets of NYC.

Ray Sumser

Finally we come to a street seller that was not in NYC but instead outside the San Diego Comic Convention last July. I wanted to showcase Ray Sumser with the New York artists because the spirit is mutual. It was early morning and I was walking to set up my booth in the convention center when I saw Ray sitting on a bench out front. His shop was a cardboard box, rolled up posters were lined up for sale. He was dressed in pants that had his very detailed and brightly colored art printed on them.

Check out his poster here.

"Wild pants! Why aren't you selling your posters inside the convention center in Artist Alley with thousands of potential art buyers walking around?" I inquired. "I could not get a badge to get in," he replied. "I might be able to help you get a badge," I suggested, "but seriously think about showing your art in Artist Alley." Ray thought for a moment and said, "Thank you for the offer but I sell these out here just fine. There are as many people outside as there are outside." He was right. It was just as insane outside as it was inside the building. I asked him for his card which he had ready to hand out. Raysumser.com.

I checked out his site later. He had his art, products (shirts to match the pants), a good amount of his social media set up. Ray could still use some refinement and focus with all of it, but he was doing it his way. Selling on the street worked just fine, thank you.

How much income were these artists making selling their art, their way? They made an average $200-$500 a day! Do the math. That is $1,000- $2,500 for a five day week. $4,000- $10,000 a month. $48,000- $120,000 a year. With some intelligent promotion, and social media these individuals could double their income. Now you know why I believe in the power of the independent art empire! There are an infinite amount of possibilities on how you can create your own. It all starts with the desire to share your vision with the world.

I bow to all the awesome creative individuals who shared their experience with me. Keep making art!

To your prosperity,

Greg

Photos by Spalenka

*MINI ART EMPIRES IN THE ROUGH*Street Artists make a living selling directly to the public.

When I was in New York last week for my lecture at the Society of Illustrators Educators Symposium I had an opportunity to walk around SoHo. When I lived in Manhattan during the 80's the blue chip art world of Leo Castelli, and Mary Boone ruled this corner of the Big Apple. Since then the art arena has moved around to different parts of the city, yet some galleries still remain on the streets of SoHo, literally. Walk along Prince st. and vendors line the sidewalks selling clothing, jewelry, incense, nick nacks, and art.

Generally I walk briskly past most of these fold out tables piled high with stuff, but this time I came to a realization that stopped me in my tracks! What I was seeing here specifically with the artists were mini art empires in the rough! I decided right then and there to interview a handful of these budding entrepreneurs and find out more about their story and methods. The following sheds some light on the businesses of eight artisans who make their living selling art on the streets of Manhattan.

When it comes to real estate we know the importance of Location, Location, Location!

It is no different in the world of street art. Mathew Courtney's "Steps To Nowhere" Gallery was organized neatly on historical cast iron stairs near J.Crew. How do the shops feel about artists selling their wares next to their location? Mathew smiled, "We get along."

Mathew utilizes markers, colored pencils and watercolors to create art over newspapers, cardboard, and other found objects. He laughed, "I make art on just about anything!"

A daughter of one of his patrons came by to see what new works he was showcasing! I mentioned to him that I have found fans to be very loyal and he replied, "Yes, some people return many times to see what new art I have created."

Kurt McRobert

Some of the artists I spoke with were veterans of seven years or longer, others like SVA graduate Kurt McRobert were out for the first time. "I got tired of waiting around for illustration jobs and decided to set up shop and see what happened." He threw up some fold out trays and rigged up a table of super heroes and girlie pics.

Did they need special clearance from the city to sell art on the sidewalks? "You just need a sellers ID number," he said. That's it!? "That's it." I was surprised that you could set up shop so easily on the streets of NYC.

Comic book characters appeared to be big sellers in this market. This was the weekend the New York Comic Convention was happening and I attempted to inspire some of these artists to go to it. "You can make some great connections and open a new market for your art," I suggested. A few of them said they were too busy holding down the shop, and besides the "weekends are the best selling days, can't afford to miss that opportunity," was the response. They had found their niche!

Most of these artists were focused on selling and had not thought much about social media promotion, or even simple business tools such as business cards. When I asked Pedro (?) if I could see him online or if he had a business card, he patted the pockets of his paint spattered pants and said, "I got to make up some cards. Don't have much online yet, checking out Flikr, but haven't put up a website, blog, whatever."

"Not much time for advertising. Don't really want to. I'm too busy painting." Most of his acrylic pieces were created on stretched canvases. Finished paintings (no frames) were stacked in front of each other, lined up on the ledge of a building.  He stopped working for a moment on a Batman painting which was securely fastened to a fold out easel and took a drag on his cigarette. "Don't have much time for anything else."

Optimo

Others like the graffiti artist Optimo painted on just about everything, with everything. People would bring him license plates, signs (city, private, etc), pieces of wood to make art on. Of course walls of all sort were game too, but he could not bring those to his street shop. If it can be painted on, it can become art. "Graffiti is beautiful, because art is beautiful. Just because other people can't see the fuckin beauty, doesn't make it so," he said passionately.

Optimo was setting up shop with a table on the street side of the sidewalk and art propped up next to the building across from him. "Sometimes the cops ask me where I got the signs (city owned) to paint on and say that what I am doing is not art. It's art, I tell them. Generally they don't bother me but I have to watch out for them."

When I took his picture he did not want his face shown much, so he covered it with his hand. A picture is not going to hide an artist with this much passion, especially when its crowned with a top hat! But I felt his sincerity when he said, "I love making art. It's what I do."

When I asked most of these artists if they actually made a living selling art this way, the consensus was they did pretty good. "Recently sales have been slow because of the economy, but people still buy," Pedro confided.  Optimo added, "It's always up and down, but I have a little girl to take care of so I must be out here."

How much do these guys make in cash amounts on a day to day, week to week basis? You will be surprised at the answers which will be revealed in the second part of this post next week. I can give you a hint... it's as much and more that most animators and concept designers in the film industry make!

Wrap your brain around that one.

To your creative empowerment,

Greg