Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matthew Perlman . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Matthew , thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I used to think about going all-in with my art career, but I figured, right out of college, it might be a good idea to get some real-world experience at a big company first. So, I kicked off my career working for a few fashion brands in New York City. But every move I made felt like I was just spinning my wheels, both in terms of my creativity and my personal growth. Every time I hit a roadblock, I found myself gravitating back to the canvas. It was my go-to outlet for creativity. So, I decided to pick up painting on the side, just as a side gig. But in my small New York City apartment, I found myself struggling to find the space to paint. My paints were on my bed, my canvas was leaning against my dresser. I knew that I had to find my own space. However, rents in the heart of New York City were astronomical, and anything I could afford was a long commute to get to.
I quickly realized there was a massive gap in the New York City art scene: affordable and convenient studio spaces. From that, what the art world needed was not just affordable studio spaces, but a center for arts-focused programming to help artists develop their artistic style and interact with powerhouses in the industry. So, I thought, “Why not do something about it?” That’s when I started Artishouse, a members club and creative studio space for artists.
Matthew , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey as an artist began when I was a child. I vividly remember my grandmother, who is a talented painter, introducing me to the world of art. Her passion for creating works of art on canvas really ignited a spark within me. I would go to her house, set myself up on the table next to her easel, and spend hours watching her paint and analyzing each of her brush strokes. As I grew older, I realized that art was not just a hobby but a calling. It was my way of expressing emotions, telling stories, and capturing the beauty I saw in the world.
My expertise is my passion for the arts. Because of my deep rooted interest in painting and creating, I was eager to immerse myself in the arts community of New York. And Artishouse has allowed me to do that. The beauty of Artishouse is that it is for any type of artist: people who make art as a hobby, full-time artists, and people just starting out in their artistic careers. As long as you are willing to connect with the artists around you and appreciate what Artishouse is offering, it is the perfect place for you.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
I thought of Artishouse just before the pandemic hit. While working my regular job, I kept refining my ideas for the art studio. In December 2022, I felt compelled to pursue it again. So, day-in and day-out, I worked on developing and redeveloping my concept while also working full-time. I reached out to countless potential new members, reaching out to every artist I knew and every artist I could find on social media and people were definitely interested. It wasn’t until one of the key milestones happened and it was taking my concept to reality. I found the perfect space in New York City, that was spacious and lined with windows and I started building out the studio. On August 1st, we opened our doors and currently have seven members part of Artishouse.
Any advice for managing a team?
Lead with passion. I like to think my team are my members. Every time I am in the studio and interacting with my members, I am leading with my passion for what I am doing at Artishouse.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artishousenyc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artishousenyc/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artishousenyc/?trk=public_jobs_jserp-result_job-search-card-subtitle
- Other: Feel free to reach out at [email protected].
Image Credits
Matthew Perlman