We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Martin Bourbeau a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Martin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

I was working as a Surgical Technologist in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. I started painting in my unique style and was working to grow my art business. I created an Etsy site and also shared my work at a few local art & craft shows. I was gaining some traction in these locations but I wasn’t able to make back my initial investments by selling small paintings. My wife and I were able to secure an opportunity to display my work in a coffee shop in downtown Minneapolis. We jumped on the opportunity. That coffee shop art display turned out to be exactly the exposure I needed to grow and scale up to the next level. I received a phone call from a gentleman who said that he loved my work! The only problem was that it was all too small! Wow! What a call- he commissioned me to create two huge paintings. These two pieces were the springboard into my current work and I will always remember that first client- and I still keep in touch with him to this day!

Martin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have always been artistic and was working on my art degree in the early 2000’s after I graduated highschool. However, due to the economic unrest in those times, I ended up changing my degree to healthcare and put art on the back burner. After the birth of my second child my wife and I made the tough call and I started painting and selling my art full time. I have been so blessed to grow my business over the past 12 years. I began creating my “Paint Sculptures” in an effort to carve out a unique niche for myself in the art world. My work is unlike any other artist I have ever met and my clients say the same. It has not been easy to build my brand and body of work, but I am so proud of our dedication to this work, through all the ups and downs that accompany being self employed.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

As a young couple, my wife and I purchased our first home together. When we decided to jump into starting my art career, we decided to sell our home to have enough capital to launch my art business. It was a huge leap for us, and we ended up renting for the next 6 years, but we have been able to build this business with cash. What a great blessing.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Without a doubt, referrals have been the best source of growing clientele for our business. When you work hard to make sure your clients are happy, provided for and honestly communicated with- they are happy buyers and are more than willing to refer you to their friends. Honest communication is key and in my opinion, the most important factor for referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.martsfineart.com
• Instagram: @martsfineart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/martinsfineart

Image Credits
Mary Bourbeau