Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronald A. Livingston Jr.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
First off, I thank God, Roxxie Dymond, and Voyage Houston for this opportunity to share my story. I hope it encourages someone else to go after his or her dreams as well. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I have always enjoyed art since I was a five years old dyslexic student at Betty Best Elementary School in Alief ISD. After graduating from Elsik High School with honors such as Mr. Elisk 2013 in Alief ISD, I attended HCC to continue my interest in art. By the end of 2017, I chose to begin my career as an artist. My wonderful family and friends encouraged me to share my artistic abilities for others to see. During Christmas 2017, my younger brother Ryan purchased a Wacom tablet for my laptop. I was so excited to sharpen my skills on digital art! However, I wasn’t sure what name to use for my art business. So I immediately went to God in prayer. I wanted the name to reflect me utilizing my God-given talent to not only help myself but also someone else. Therefore, Salt of the Art Studios was born! From there, I have done many logos designs/ t-shirt designs/ and illustrations for start-up companies, and folks who appreciate fan art.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Actually, in the beginning, I was able to acquire a great amount of clients for a year. However, by February 2019, my family and I went through a difficult period in our lives. After 27 years of marriage, my parents divorced. I was removed out of my comfort zone. I took off from school for a few semesters to help my mom. I wanted to make sure my mom, brother and I had a place to stay. Many of our wonderful family members and friends have helped us out along the way. We are blessed to have so much love. They prayed for us, especially when moments in our lives became hectic. For instance, when we had to move twice and when my mom became ill. My mom and I also had to make many trips to visit my younger brother in Prairie View A&M. We would bring food and supplies to him. There were times we couldn’t make the trips due to work schedules, having only one vehicle or lack of funds. My mom’s family made some of those trips for us. We thank God so much for our family. They are the key to our hearts.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Salt of the Art Studios – what should we know?
My company is Salt of the Art Studios, LLC where I provide logo designs for new and established businesses as well as digital fan art. I find my inspiration from comic books, anime, cartoons, movies, music, and video games. As for the fan art, it began immediately when my clients visited my Instagram page. There each client was able to see a cartoon illustration of me. They like what they saw. So self-portraits of my clients as a cartoon character per their request became apart of my business. I believe in exhibiting good customer service to my clients. Therefore the self-portraits allowed me to add a personal touch to what I do. I have been blessed to obtain future clients from the referrals of those I have served before. Education is essential to accomplishing the goal of having your own business. My time as a student at Houston Community College played a great part in my decision to begin my business. YouTube, Skillshare and other artists that I’ve met in person or on Instagram has been a great help as well.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I understand that the term “salty” has its own meaning to it. Haha, trust me in my case, the “Salty1s” are the people who supported the studio since day one. Those special people like my family and friends who love and encouraged me to never give up. With the help of my friend Cassie, the Salty1s is the studio’s proper fan base name. The studios’ motto is to “Use Your Salt Wisely!” This simply means to utilize your God-given talent wisely. I am grateful for the continued support from the Salty1s.
Contact Info:
- Email: saltoftheartstudios@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltofthe_artstudios/
Image Credit:
All images provided by Salt of the Art Studios, LLC.
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