We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pi Luna a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Pi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
I wish I had started sooner. As an artist, we are often taught that we can’t make money at art or aren’t good at business.
The truth is that art is a business, just like anything else. As a teenager, I was already selling my paintings and entering stores. I had a natural affinity towards business but needed more confidence and support from mentors and teachers to develop this ability. Instead of continuing the entrepreneurial path, I went into teaching and did several other types of work, including graphic design, consulting, and tutoring. I tried to make art on the side but found it challenging to devote the time or energy to it.
When Covid happened, I took a serious look at my life and what I wanted it to look like. Stepping into full-time art was one of the most challenging but also rewarding choices I’ve made. I wish I had made the decision much earlier.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a visual artist. At first glance, my work looks like a painting, but come up close, and you’ll start to see shapes and textures. I cut up tiny pieces of paper out of recycled magazines and use them to assemble works of art.
My artistic journey began with classical oil painting, a tradition I deeply admired. However, health issues caused by the chemicals in the paint led me to explore non-toxic alternatives. This quest for a new medium led me to experiment with various materials until I discovered the unique potential of paper.
I find the process of cutting up old magazines transformative. It’s like removing old cultural conditioning and making something new out of it.
My work is inspired by nature, and I often depict animals, plants, and landscapes. To help support the Earth, I donate 10% of my earnings to planting trees with the organization “One Tree Planted.”
In addition to original art, I also create prints, greeting cards, journals, and a custom oracle deck out of my artwork. These products are available in stores and online.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I first started this business during COVID-19, when there weren’t shows and galleries were closed. I had to do everything online and needed help figuring out how to make the business work. There was a moment when money became tight, and I had no leads. I felt like it was the end.
To find clarity, I went for a drive in the Santa Fe mountains. At first, I just let out all of my emotions of fear and anger. Once my emotions had cleared, I found myself in a very beautiful setting. I found strength in those mountains, and ideas came to me about how to find new ways of promoting my art.
Every time I encountered challenges in my business, I turned to nature for guidance. There, I had many powerful encounters with wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, chipmunks, wild turkeys, and many other species. Ideas and clarity would always come as a result.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Initially, I used print-on-demand companies to make my prints and merchandise. However, I ran into many difficulties with quality control and shipping issues. I messed up orders, so I invested in a high-quality printer and equipment to make my products.
The quality is better, and I have much room to innovate and customize my products.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pilunaart.com
- Instagram: @pilunaart
- Facebook: @pilunaart
Image Credits
Pi Luna Art