Since attending my art school, I’ve met so many amazing people who do incredible things. I met one girl in particular who not only does what she loves, but also makes money from it. I thought this was so interesting, and wanted to know more about it. She agreed to let me interview her and find out exactly what she does to earn money in high school.
How Did Her Business Get Started?
Skylar Noblin-Laminack started her own business turning regular pictures of pets into beautiful pieces of artwork. It all started two years ago when her mother suggested that she make profit off of the artwork she was doing for other people. Before she had just done it for free, which she said she “didn’t mind”,” and that she was “just doing what she loved.”
She asked her art teacher how she sold her artwork and how she based the prices. After some strategizing, Skylar decided to charge “$60 for an 11×14. The price changes between what mediums were used, sizes, and how much time is spent on the piece”.
I wanted to know what her first experience with a paying client was like. She told me that her client decided she wanted a picture of her dog that passed away. Skylar said that this piece was “touching” and a “big experience” for her. In the end, her client was very pleased, and paid her $50!
Building Clientele
Next, I asked her if “business was booming” at first. Laughing she said, “Not at all. Like any business, you have to build clientele. “It took a while to get to the point that I’m at.” She also said that she “couldn’t do it without her mother.” She told me that her mother works at a vet clinic, and every time someone came in with their pet, she would give them Skylar’s business card. She said that this “widened her range.”
Money or Passion?
I also asked her how making money from doing what she loves makes her feel. She told me that “the money didn’t make a difference,” and that art is her “passion” and it’s what she “loves.” She also said, “however, money is always a good thing.”
I decided to ask her just how much she has made through her business. “What is the estimated amount of money you’ve made over the past two years?” She told me that she has made “over $1000.” I was very impressed with this number. My exact response was “wow!” To teenagers this is a lot of money.
Tips For Starting A Business Like Skylar’s
Before we ended, I asked her if she could give some tips and pointers to anyone trying to start a business similar to hers. She told me “start small and build up your style and client base.” She told me that it was important to “stay true to one’s own style.”
She said that this is the key to success. “Keep your mind open to any opportunities that arise,” she also added. “Just one painting can change your life,” this was my favorite tip she gave because it showed me just how passionate she is about this.
After interviewing Skylar, I got a feel for what she does. I also got the inside look on just how passionate she is about what she does. I love how she gets paid to do exactly what she loves. From listening to her and hearing everything she has said about her business, I feel that passion is another key component to being successful. You have to have drive and determination, and that is exactly what Skylar has!
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