Notes from Chris

Episode 941

By night, he flexes his creative muscles putting together incredible works of art that blend abstract with realism using a unique process of dripping paint onto canvas in colorful drips and intricate swirls.

It started when Tim moved into a trendy loft in downtown Austin, Texas. He felt right at home except for one thing … or actually several things. The blank white walls practically begged for artwork—and Tim’s recent obsession was abstract art. He shopped around and collected several good original pieces of art, but was stymied by their high cost. He was also inspired.

Having been somewhat of an artist and maker ever since he was a kid, Tim figured he could create his own large scale artwork for a mere fraction of the costs. He purchased several large canvases and began experimenting—standing over the canvas, splattering, and dripping the paint on them much like famous artist Jackson Pollock.

With his artistic sensibilities and a strong eye for design and color, Tim was able to create abstract art to his own liking. And it seemed that others liked it as well! When his loft dwelling neighbors and technology peers saw the artwork, they asked who the artist was. Once they found out it was Tim, they became his first patrons—purchasing his work to adorn their own lofts.

In the beginning, Tim’s paintings were all abstract. But when someone asked if he could do a flower in a similar style, he stepped up to the challenge. The piece turned out well, and he began to wonder what other things he could paint in this unique style blending abstract with realism.

Encouraged by the popularity of his artwork, Tim continued refining his process all the while amassing enough paintings for a legitimate art show. There was a coffee shop near his loft with a reputation for organizing quality exhibitions, and since he already had some rapport, they agreed to host his work. At his first official showing, Tim sold a staggering $10,000 worth of artwork—which only made his creative wheels turn faster!

He took stock of his interests and drew inspiration from a famous sports artist whose work he admired, Leroy Neiman. Neiman traveled the world observing and painting leisure life, social activities, and athletic competitions including the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the PGA and The Masters golf tournaments, and even the world of casino gambling.

It certainly seemed like an appealing lifestyle to Tim, who was also a lifelong car and motorsports enthusiast. He figured his artwork would do well in these markets, which have huge followings of highly devoted fans and a strong interest in collectibles.

With very low startup costs, essentially just a series of paints and canvases, Tim has been able to generate as much as $100,000 annually. He tried being a full-time artist for a year, but found he missed his day job … so he went back to that, while continuing to produce and sell art.

Even considering the money he makes, it’s the experiences that Tim has enjoyed the most. He’s attended many top car shows, flown to a Grand Prix race in his client’s helicopter, and has even had clients take him to Spain to run with the bulls. He has also gotten to see his artwork on two winning race cars!

Moving forward, Tim is working to bring some of his tech marketing to the world of art … and some of the world of art to business. His unique background has recently opened the door for him to do a ‘paint and sip’ concept for companie. He plans to discuss team building, marketing, branding, and engage executives and teams in the creative process.

By not choosing to follow a single career, Tim has advanced and innovated in at least two of them.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Timothy Raines: Check out more of Tim’s work over on his website!
• WordPress: Tom used WordPress to set up his site, and here you can learn how to install your own WordPress site in 5 minutes

BOOKS RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Renaissance Soul: How to Make Your Passions Your Life―A Creative and Practical Guide by Margaret Lobenstine
• Refuse to Choose!: A Revolutionary Program for Doing Everything That You Love by Barbara Sher
• Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want by Barbara Sher
• How to Be Everything: A Guide for Those Who (Still) Don’t Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up by Emilie Wapnick

SEE ALSO:

• Cat Lover Creates Cat-tivating Portrait Series: A 21-year-old college student combines her obsession with pets and love for painting to pay her way through school with customized animal portraits
• Trader Joe’s Sign Artist Earns $43,200 Selling Tea-Stained Prints: Discovering the art of tea-stained prints using publicly available (and free!) art, a Trader Joe’s employee begins earning $3,600 a month selling custom prints online
• More Monet, Fewer Problems: Attorney Turns Holiday Prints Into Cash: This Texas attorney has no Magrittes about starting her easy-to-scale side hustle

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,