We recently connected with Connor Query and have shared our conversation below.

Connor, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Around 2018, about a year into my last full-time corporate position, was probably the time I felt ready to take the plunge into making this art thing work. It was clear to me to go for it when I realized I was making more with my art “side gig” than I was with my 9-5 daily position — with no pay raise in sight. After I was told I had reached my limit there, that quickly, I knew I was already needing to figure out what to go for next. At this point, I was creating better promotions, my skill level was increasing, and word of mouth was spreading faster than ever thanks to great customer service and great gifts heading out the door. So I knew it was time to go for it! I was absolutely terrified, and to be completely honest — absolutely unprepared. But, it was one of those “if I fail I fail, but at least I tried” moments. As of now, its still panning out pretty well!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Connor Query from Lexington, KY and I’m an artist, business owner (Connor Query Art), and social media manager! I got into this industry, probably around my high school years 2007-11. I truly started studying art and creating things in my own ways, and realizing this was something I could get into in college. Jumping into college and jobs afterwards, I was always creating outside of work and school and with social media being on the rise — my work was easier to show off! Lots of little gifts and paintings and calligraphy here and there but things really took off in 2015/16 when a friend asked for a holiday gift of pet portraits for a loved one. After those were created and posted on facebook, my business exploded! Pet portraits became “my thing” around town, and I wasn’t mad about it. Still to this day I continue to offer pet portrait commissions along with tons of other portrait options, calligraphy, chalkboard art, wood-burns, graphic design, photography, and social media services.

I think what sets me apart from similar people in my position is my skill and personality. I’m excited to work with people and meet new people to work with in the future. I give a laidback comfortable vibe to every interaction and I love having each customer or new partnership feel like they know me personally and can trust the work they are going to get from me. The art skills and expertise have been learned, and also natural. I bring a lot of different abilities to the table that makes me a full-service kind of artist. On top of painting or hand-crafted gifts I can offer photography, graphic design services, social media assistance, event planning support, and majority of and creative/craft services. If you’re working with me, I have a lot I can offer — all in one spot!

I’m most proud of my motivation. We all have our ups and downs in life, and recently, for me, it’s been a bit of a snowball of downs. But knowing the work I do for others, how well-received I believe I am in my community, the amazing gifts I get to create for people and their loved ones– truly keeps me going every day. What I do, specifically, isn’t necessarily having me roll in piles of money, but I’m thrilled to have been able to create and stay in this position for this long and it’s what I love to do most in the world.

If I want anyone to know something about me and my business, it’s that I will always make sure I take care of your needs as a customer and a friend. I’m affordable, top-notch quality, and the approachability anyone desires to have while connecting for business or customer needs.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Before I accepted my last full-time office position, I was actually declined for a graphic designer position at a printing company. The owner claimed ” I didn’t belong in an art department” and that I would be much better in their call center position that was open. In the interview, he asked me what my dream job was if there were no limits — my answer was to be able to work from home, paint, and create as freely as I wanted. And here we are; doing it.

I think about that job interview often. It wasn’t even a job I really wanted, and at that point, I hadn’t really ever been declined for many jobs. But to have someone who knows nothing about me other than my credentials listed on a piece of paper he skimmed, tell me I don’t belong in an art department — that stuck with me and definitely gave me a new motivational tool for myself to make sure I always kept looking for what I want to do in this world. Which was art.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media is a killer. It’s so beneficial to creatives and businesses, but it has become a monster that no one can tame. After running countless accounts for myself and for other businesses, the greatest advice I can give is to be yourself. Overdoing it with trends, forcing posts, being a robot – all of those unoriginal elements will keep you in one spot.

My account has been rolling for years now, and it definitely never grew overnight. Honestly, I don’t post unless I have something to say that’s “me”. Speaking in your own voice speaks volumes to the connections you can make with future clients and customers. Engagement with your followers makes you more real to the world and not a bot on the other side of the screen. Posting things YOU have created or made, or just posting yourself talking or doing day-to-day activities is what people care about.

There will always be algorithm issues, there will always be some Instagram genius who “knows all” then completely contradicts their own advice the very next day. There will always be days you have nothing to put out there.

Create content you love. Create content that is YOU. Engage with the world. Be consistent. Be patient. It all comes together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.connorqueryart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorqueryart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connorqueryart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorquery/
• Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@connorqueryart

Image Credits
Connor Query Art