Wherever you work, whether at an office job or from home, you are a local asset and inspiration in your own community. Most of my audience follows me via my social media network or email, but I am also a local artist and small business owner because I am a freelancer. The following is an interview I took part in thanks to the good folks at Parkbench.com.
What made you decide to open this business/become an illustrator?
Drawing has always been my hobby. Since I was young it has always been my goal to create stories and draw comics. I also use my design skills to assist companies with graphics and website work. My love for drawing and technology enables me to combine the two hobbies in way that allows me to work from home and have the kind of job that I love.
What would your customers say they love most about your business?
I have had the most positive feedback regarding the quality of my drawings. My clients are always satisfied with the art I create for them. Because of this, most of my work comes in the form of word of mouth recommendations. This means I don’t need to spend as much time and money on traditional advertising. I regularly receive commissions for illustrations, sometimes featuring a character from their favorite comic book or cartoon series.
Fan Art sketch of Dragon Ball Z
What is something most people don't know about the business?
It was my fascination with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that sparked my interest in drawing, especially cartoons and comics. Even now I am proud of being a part of the geek culture and I love to watch shows and read comics about super heroes and the never ending battle between good and evil. Staying up to date with what’s popular keeps my work from never getting dull and I find it important for me to draw fan art on the side.
Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?
I have recently been working with an old childhood friend of mine to write and illustrate a new comic web-series called Broken Fingers. In addition to that long-term project, I also have several more books that I am self publishing, including my yearly collection of Inktober submissions as well as a sketchbook compilation of art spanning a decade.
What do you love about Grants Pass, Oregon?
I love the feel of the small town when compared to the metropolitan cities of Seattle or Portland. However small Grants Pass is, I appreciate the local offerings and the beautiful scenery. I love hiking with my family and walking downtown with a warm cup of Dutch Bros in hand.
Digital Sketch of the Rogue River as seen from Riverside Park
Why do you think it's important for people to shop local?
The people who own and run local businesses are hard working men and women who put a lot of love and effort into what they do. Unlike big name companies, there’s the opportunity to make real connections and have a one-of-a-kind personal experience by choosing to do business with a local shop. The more we support our local businesses, the more they get to expand, hire more employees, and keep the flow of money within our personal economy.