We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathryn Lloyd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kathryn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
I am an artist. I just happen to have a passion for technology as well. These two passions of mine form the core of my own creative business: I guide artists step by step past your obstacles and show you exactly how to make a living with your artwork and prosper using the powerful tools of the digital world.
My business really started when I was an art student at Angel Academy in Florence, Italy. In this supportive atmosphere of creative collaboration, we were producing the best work of our lives. And yet many of my classmates assumed that, like the Old Masters, they would be long gone before they gained fame and fortune.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My business began back in 2013. Since I am classically trained, I thought I would teach people how to paint online. I began setting up landing pages, creating videos, editing them, and doing all the backend work to grow my audience. Friends began to see what I was doing and asked for help. Soon I was spending more time helping than I was on growing my own business, which created a shift. I began studying marketing and technology tools and applying those disciplines to the needs of artists. I understand the mindset of artists. There are many struggles. I know many have an aversion to learning how to navigate the digital space, and the idea of marketing is distasteful for many. It is my passion to help our industry build thriving businesses and jump the hurdles that are holding them back.
We create products that help artists create a sustainable, thriving business that focuses on keeping them creating.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The list is long! One of the best books for artists is Stephen Pressfield’s The War of Art. It explores the challenges and distractions that every creator faces. I also believe mindset is 90% of every challenge and highly recommend, “Think and Grow Rich.” Which is not necessarily about money but instead deals with the way we control our own minds and thinking that leads to a richer, fuller life.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I began this business I had only a passion for technology, not any actual experience. I had to learn how to edit videos, which I had never done. The first two videos I edited were a struggle. I had been trying to understand the video environment without any success. It was a Sunday, and I had to have two videos edited and ready to post on Monday morning. At 1:25 in the afternoon, I pushed away from the computer and asked myself what I was doing. I had zero experience with editing. For the next five minutes, I went over my options. It was Sunday, after all, and it was not possible to call the local college to find a student ready and willing to jump in; I didn’t know anyone with experience. The only thing I could do was sit my butt back down in the chair and figure it out. Something miraculous happened during that time. I began to make sense of the steps and edited some very simple but good-looking videos.
I believe it was because of my determination!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kathrynlloyddigitalagency.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juskathryn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justaskkathryn https://www.facebook.com/themastersecrets/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-lloyd-6a222881/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themastersecrets