We recently connected with Brooke Hutchens and have shared our conversation below.
Brooke, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
As a working artist for 20 years I struggled with finding art supplies that were non-toxic. More often than most, artists are working with paints that can be overall damaging to their health.
After doing quite a bit of research and trial and error, I came up with Redbud Pigment Co. A handmade watercolor business providing non-toxic watercolor paint.
Either foraging my own pigment from stones and soil or ethically sourcing earth pigments from around the world, Redbud strives in providing a toxin-free paint to artists across the globe.
Even the binder is toxic-free!
What started as a goal for myself as an artist quickly turned into me wanting to offer the same thing to other creatives.
Brooke, 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’ve been a working artist creating murals, mixed media works and showcasing art for over 19 years.
I guess I can say I stepped into the industry through always being an artist, but it wasn’t until I started working for a non- profit arts organization in 2010 that really catapulted me into the industry.
Through networking at art shows, events, and years of putting in the work I started to see that being an artist was a lot of hard work. Wearing all the hats as a creative business owner, you really have to buckle down and learn all the aspects of being a working artist.
Creating Redbud Pigment Co, was an accumulation of all those years of experience. Knowing what products work best through trial & error, marketing, etc.
What sets Redbud’s products apart from other brands is that they’re made by a working artist! You know that you’re getting a product that has been used by an actual working artist. All watercolors are hand mulled with raw pigment and natural binders which make them non-toxic.
Most people seem to forget the longevity of earth pigments and immediately grab paint from the shelves of their local art store! Partially out of convenience, and just not knowing otherwise. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s a reason cave paintings are still around! It’s all natural pigment!
What makes me so proud is seeing all the other creatives use our watercolors in their art. Whether it’s a customer that just paints on their free time, a seasoned artist creating a body of work to showcase, or someone who just wants a cleaner art supply for their creative practice. Seeing other people use our watercolors is the why behind Redbud.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Social Media can be a fickle beast sometimes, but I feel like if you stay consistent, share the real YOU, and stay genuine that people will come.
When I created Redbud’s Instagram two years ago I knew I wanted to highlight really great pictures of raw pigment, the mulling process and of course finished palettes. Those three things are important to me because it’s the slow process of mulling & mixing from start to finish that really fills my cup. It gives me joy so the intent is to post what makes me happy and hope that others feel the same.
Having a good camera helps, but I also use my phone as well, so taking pictures that are clear and fit well with your overall aesthetic are what I think are important. Think of your Instagram as a curated gallery. When people go to your page you want them to immediately know what it is you create or offer. Cohesiveness is key!
I usually break down the content in different categories and alternate between: behind the scenes in the studio, mixing processes, sales, launches, etc.. That way it’s a mix of all those things instead of being one all the time, and burning your audience out.
My overall advice is don’t worry about NUMBERS! Your value as a creative is not based upon how many followers you have. Stay true to your creative passion and your people will show up for you!
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
As a handmade watercolor business I work on offering supplies other than just watercolors. Aside from a Limited Edition palette every month, and our usual stock of half-pans, I also have a subscription service called the Pigment Passport.
With this subscription customers can opt for a monthly or yearly option and receive a custom watercolor(s) every month. They also have access to a Members Only area on the website where they can read on where their pigment came from, watch an art tutorial using the color(s) and read a monthly blog.
Aside from that I also hand-build ceramics such as palettes, brush holders, and paint cups at a local pottery studio. I feel like the diversity helps bring in other revenue streams for the company, and it offers something for everyone.
This year I am also working on offering in-person classes where people can sign up to paint and go home with their very own set of watercolors.
Branching out locally and working with other businesses helps as well. Expand your horizons and network with other creatives. Locally we have three shops that carry our watercolors, and we’re excited to be a part of a local Farmers Market for 2024, so collaborating with local businesses is always a plus.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.redbudpigmentco.com
- Instagram: Redbud_pigment_co