Our Art Business Exceeded Our Expectations During the First Year
One year ago, we officially launched our art business, Lalonde Studios! We did this by posting our first blog posts inviting you to take a tour of Moe's Wood Studio and to take a peak into My Art Studio. We want to give you a little sense of what we are all about.
Starting Up Our Art Business
Before we launched our art business, there were many things we needed to do.
Choosing a Name
We had to decide on a name for our company. Moe and I spent much time tossing out different names. Often, our most creative time was while sipping wine on our front porch! Ideas were tossed out to family and friends. Ultimately, we decided on Lalonde Studios in August. We think that this name encompasses both of us.
Filing Paperwork
Moe and I went to the county office building to file a 'doing business as' certificate. This way, the New York State could send us a "Certificate of Authority" so we can collect sales tax. This enabled the IRS to assign us an Employer Identification Number. Yup, we pay taxes!
Setting up Social Media Accounts
We set up business accounts on Instagram and Facebook.
We knew we needed to create a website to blog from and eventually sell our work. After I spent countless frustrating hours trying to set up a website on WIX (I'm not putting down WIX; it might just be my lack of technical skills), we decided to hire Laine Sutherland to create a site for us. Moe and I think she did a fantastic job! Our website is continually changing and is a work in progress. During our second year, you will see significant changes to the site.
Moe and I set up a Lalonde Studios YouTube channel. We are getting the hang of how to record long and short clips. We are also getting used to using the microphone. Yes, remember to wear it and turn it on!
The Fun Side of Our Art Business this Year!
Deciding on a Logo
Laine took Moe's idea of one of his wood creations on an easel and made our idea a reality! We created business cards using the logo.
She also created a simple logo that we used to make a stamp that burns into wood for Moe's pieces and an ink stamp that I can use on the backs of my paintings.
Writing Blog Posts
Moe and I enjoy sharing our creative processes and ideas with you, as well as the stories behind them. We aimed to write a blog once a month, and we did!
Creating Art
Creating art is our passion, and we have had the good fortune to spend so much time doing that. Every day presents new challenges as we develop and strive to improve our techniques. Creative time in our studios is something we thoroughly enjoy.
As many of you know, I am addicted to taking art courses. This year, I took classes on paint pouring, watercolor painting, and abstract acrylic painting. Currently, I am taking an Evocative Landscapes course by Susan McCreevey, an artist I admire. I will learn more about abstract landscapes and using encaustics (wax).
Becoming Immersed in the Art Scene
We have become immersed in the local art scene. Several of our pieces were displayed at the Kirkland Art Center member exhibit. Anyone passing through the village of Clinton saw Sarah's work, which was chosen for the promotional sign for the Just Add Water show.
Our work was displayed at the New York State Fair, where Moe was awarded third place. We exhibited at the Munson annual sidewalk show, where Sarah sold her painting 'Mother's Love' of a mother and baby elephant.
Most recently, Moe presented at Within Reach Upstate Art Collective. This was put on by a group of artists working to grow our area's arts scene. Moe was approached at this show and invited to exhibit his work at The Art of The Craft show at the View in Old Forge. He is busy creating a couple of new artworks for this show.
Reaching beyond our local scene, a story featuring Sarah and her studio was published in Uppercase Magazine. Yes, her studio is that fun! Moe's piece, Whispers II, was in a juried international exhibit, Curves. It was ranked in the top ten of almost 200 artworks. Whispers II has since sold!
Meeting New People
Our art adventure has led us to meet many interesting people, including other artists, small business owners, and collectors. Many of these people have become new friends.
Thank You for Helping Our Art Business Grow
Serving our customers has been a pleasure. On Lalonde Studios' first anniversary, we want to thank our customers, followers, and everyone who has supported us over the past year. With your help, our little art business has exceeded our expectations!
We are looking forward to a second adventurous year at Lalonde Studios. We now have a second website, MoeLalonde, where Moe showcases his more substantial artworks.
Beautiful Art for Life Well Lived,
Sarah and Moe
