Pablo Picasso once said, 鈥淭he purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.鈥� Artist and entrepreneur Caryn Mitchell creates art that not only awakens souls, it makes them sing. She believes that art should inspire and spark joy as well as transform a space. In addition to creating stunning custom works, Caryn has begun to expand her palette by offering retail pieces. She also brings her artistic passion to identity design, designing branding in harmony with her clients鈥� corporate culture and goals.
Why did you choose to start Calliope Design Inc.?
Calliope Design was born because I wanted to work for myself and continue to learn
about the art of creating a business around the things I enjoy doing. About eighteen
months ago, I decided to start adapting my creative skillsets to expand my business
into a blend of design services and art d茅cor products.
Tell us a little about your business and what makes it unique.
Calliope Design is my boutique-style design studio, where I work as a visual brand
stylist and consultant, designer and artist. I鈥檓 known for designing brand identity
for companies that helps them connect to their customers on an emotional level. Alongside
my brand identity work, I started creating mixed media mosaic artwork that brings
a touch of class and style to homes and offices. As a creative entrepreneur, I鈥檓 always
trying new things out, blending traditional and digital art mediums. This has led
me to create beautiful art prints and patterns for art decor products that engage
the human spirit and allow people to create their own happy place.
What was the problem you were facing when you decided to contact the Illinois SBDC
at 91制片厂?
I decided to contact the SBDC at 91制片厂 because I needed help to revive my existing
business and start paving the path of where I would like to take my business. Over
the last few years, I have had to adapt swiftly to the challenges I was facing as
a creative business owner developing my services.
My business began by providing brand identity design services and freelancing with
ad agencies and marketing firms. Then, I asked myself how I could adapt my creativity
in new and fresh ways that would not only contribute to my happiness, but also bring
joy and inspiration to others. I began selling my original mixed-media artwork and
art prints online and plan to expand into licensing my artwork and surface pattern
designs for a range of wall coverings, paper goods, home d茅cor and other household
products.
How did the Illinois SBDC at 91制片厂 help with the problems you were having?
When I came to the SBDC, I was kind of all over the place, focusing on things that
were contributing to forward movement. I was trying to do everything at the same time,
which caused me a lot of frustration. Marge Johnsson really helped me clarify what
I was doing, to identify my product mix and develop effective business strategies.
She helped me break down tasks into bite-size pieces--and continues to do so every
time I check in with her. Dennis LaPorta has worked with me to identify my target
audiences for both identity design and custom artwork. It鈥檚 taken a little bit of
time, but I now feel like the different hats I wear are more manageable. I鈥檝e also
learned to let go of the 鈥淓verything Has to Be Perfect鈥� syndrome.
As I鈥檝e grown my art business, Marge researched sales tax laws and worked with me
to select the best tax software to sell my art nationally. Jennie Johns has been instrumental
in building and developing my website, allowing me to expand my ecommerce reach as
well as to fully incorporate my branding. Cheri Kretsinger has helped me develop a
thriving Instagram site, which is currently the main focus of my online marketing. Over
the next year, I plan to master this platform to help spread the word and grow a following
of enthusiastic, engaged customers.
Would you recommend small business owners use the services of the Illinois SBDC at
91制片厂?
Yes! The SBDC team at 91制片厂 is fantastic. As the owner of a multi-faceted
design company, I have found it challenging to find business advisors who appreciate
the unique nature of the creative industry. Marge, Jen, Cheri and Dennis understand
me and realize that a creative business works a little differently than traditional
businesses. Their wisdom, patience, business perspectives and suggestions have given
me the guidance I needed to move confidently in the direction I鈥檓 going in. I always
look forward to my advisory sessions.
What does the future look like for Calliope Design Inc?
This fall, I鈥檒l be introducing three new product lines: canvas gallery wraps; notebooks
and journals; and printables. I鈥檓 also working on updating my website鈥檚 shop to sell
my art prints directly.
After enrolling in a surface pattern design course this year, I learned about creating designs that can be adapted to an array of products from home d茅cor, to paper goods, to fabric and more. From there, art licensing came onto my radar as another track to grow into. Aiming for implementation in 2023, I鈥檓 developing designs for collections and creating new art series for wall d茅cor.
Also, I hope to meet the right person who can wear my marketing hat!
What advice would you give to someone just starting a small business?
Practice positive mindset. Create a flexible plan. Start small. Take baby steps towards
each milestone. Be open to a better way of doing things. Surround yourself with like-minded
positive people. Ask for help when you need it. There鈥檚 no need to suffer or feel
alone to realize your dream. Celebrate your wins. Keep a daily success journal.