Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha (Sami) Collins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I don’t have much experience in the world of small business, yet. When I was growing up, all I wanted to do was to draw and paint but my shyness would always keep me from advancing up the ladder. Even when I was working at various day jobs, I would get myself into trouble for doodling and daydreaming. With work in my field limited, I desperately needed a solution that could let me make a living doing what I loved. A year after finishing college, I came across a small art camp where I was able to work as a mentor to younger generations. I didn’t really see myself becoming an art teacher but, surprisingly, it felt very fulfilling. I gave them not only art education but also self esteem and confidence in their own aspirations- things my artistic mind craved when I was their age. This field has the potential to produce amazing artists (not just in visual art) and it’s unfortunate to see gifts go unnoticed or brushed away by schools and peers that don’t see their value. Art is an expression of the mind that I believe is unique to everyone in its own way. In the near future I would like to grow my business on the basis of that being my mission.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish the path to success was smooth and dotted with road signs but that does not actually happen. Aside from the work market being exclusive and thinly spread, the biggest struggle I have had was finding self-value. Throughout my education, I would often learn more from myself than from my classes because of the vast nature of art – which I believe to be a discovery of the artist. But the vocation of an artist inevitably comes with its negative labels appointed by the public. Skepticism from the populace means we are constantly under scrutiny and looked down upon as if to say we had made a poor choice in career paths. To some, that can be too much for their constitutions to bear and they finally buckle and fray away under the weight of that doubt. Advancing beyond that doesn’t mean having serendipitous talent. It takes endurance and faith in one’s abilities. I try to pass this information along to my students in the best way I can. To sum it all up is: You’re in control of your work and the longer you work at it, the better it will become.
SamiCommissions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At this stage, my plans for a company are still on paper. I am still in the process of making a solid foundation for myself and I feel that’s a crucial step that shouldn’t be rushed. I do showcase my work online with the intention of building somewhat of a reputation as a surrealist artist. My paintings are influenced by a combination of historical lore and contemporary life but I do make it a point to not include certain themes like politics or heavy psychology (but I wouldn’t say that I’m exclusive) as they might segregate my audience. I believe the demographic for my work should be vast and diverse.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Although my career has only begun, I have already so much that I’m proud of. Sure I have found gratification in teaching and an occasional art show reward but the thing I’m sincerely proud of most is my family’s support. Art is an uncharted territory in both mine and my husband’s family. So having the courage to pursue my career is a challenge. I don’t always win and I rarely feel fulfilled. But the one thing I know that remains constant is them — through positive and negative reinforcement and the perpetual encouragement I need to endure those trials.
Pricing:
- $1.50 per square inch (wet mediums) + supplies
- $1.00 per square inch (dry mediums) + supplies
- $20 per hour (2 hour sessions) + mileage
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sbyrum93.wixsite.com/samicommissions
- Phone: 936-499-8416
- Email: samicommissions@gmail.com
- Instagram: #samicommissions
Image Credit:
RAW artists – Houston
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