Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caroline O’Callaghan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Caroline, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I’ve always had a passion for design, architecture and all things creative. I have painted and studied art through the years. When I left the corporate world working for House Beautiful magazine and then a Madison Ave design firm, I wanted to start something creative of my own.

One day I walked into a design shop I love, Decoration Days, and saw a large abstract painting by an artist who is quite famous now. I stared at it, and it was at that moment I said to myself… I’m going to do that! (….I now always keep a few pieces of my art for sale in that shop.)

In the weeks, months, years that followed I researched all I could find on art, materials, painting, the proper way to sell art professionally, and all that is involved in the abstract art business. I pounded the pavement through galleries and art shops seeing who my competition would be and their backgrounds. Taking the opportunity to talk with gallery owners and those who sell art..

And then one day I grabbed a few large canvases and just went at it. I painted intuitively with what came to my mind naturally, without overthinking. And ended up with my first few paintings I would sell.

It’s not easy to put yourself out there, but I pushed myself to show friends and family for feedback. My canvases were in my car when I drove by a large art and design shop, Nest Inspired Homes. There was a very large parking space available in front, where usually there are none. I took it as a sign… took a deep breath and walked in with my canvases and asked for an honest opinion. That’s really all I was looking for… and… they said we will take them! So I signed them on the spot and began selling art! From there I stopped in on a few galleries, C Parker gallery in Greenwich, Geary gallery in Darien Ct, Lillian August Norwalk and Swoon Westport, They each took a few. And I was in business!

Caroline, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I studied studio art in college and in NYC along with studies at New York School of Interior Design post-graduate work. My career started in editorial work for House Beautiful magazine followed by a position at a Madison Avenue boutique design firm. Painted and all things creative have always been a thread through my life.

Hmm it is hard to put into words what sets me apart from others in the art business as there are no two artists alike. A large part of my business is re-creating my own work in different sizes and colors for custom commission pieces. I find copying myself can be incredibly challenging as paint mixes and brushes and tools all allow for much variation in a piece. And being an intuitive painter it’s a lot of quick movements and decisions pulled from deep inside the mind that goes into creating a finished painting. I think my relationships with those who sell for me and the clients I have worked directly with have been so important to me. In both inspiration and support. That’s what pushes me to continue and grow with art.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think connecting with professionals in the art world and having them curate your work helps to place you as a professional. Instagram and a website are amazing tools to use as a portfolio for a creative business. Though I think there is often a misconception hoping social media alone will start your business. I felt it was important to have professionals in the field selling my work and in a sense validating my artwork.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Again social media is an easy way to keep your portfolio available for potential clients and those who sell for you in the field. One quick story, I was out one day and saw a designer.. and we both recognized each other from Instagram. This connection lead to a very large corporate job, my largest collection sold to a hedge fund. We filled the walls of a large waterfront office. Lots of work, fun, laughs & exhaustion! But that’s what it’s all about!! I saw the designer from ‘Jenn Mann Interiors’.

Contact Info:

• Website: carolineocallaghanart.com
• Instagram: @caroline.o.art. @carolineocallaghanart