We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cym Warkov. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cym below.
Alright, Cym thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
When I started my business I had another income stream and enough savings to live on for the first couple of years. I have been fortunate to avoid losing money in my business since its inception, but it was not profitable enough to support me until about 3 years in.
The first year was spent gaining an understanding of the business I was in, and the next couple of years were dedicated to building my brand.
Something I wish I had done was visit a trade show before participating in one because there can be a lot of surprises in terms of costs, logistics and how the buyer’s mind works. That being said, trade shows really helped launch my business, so I believe they are well worth the challenges that they bring.
Cym, 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?
After running a high-end home goods store in Venice CA and visiting many of the artists we worked with, I became inspired to be on the other side. In working with with other artists I gained the confidence to be the maker, rather than the seller.
The field of decorative ceramics is crowded with incredibly talented makers. I’ve been able to set myself apart by conveying my unique take on the craft. My organic collaboration between myself and the materials involved in making each piece seems to resonate with a variety of audiences.
I am most proud when one of my designs resonates with a collector in the same way it did with me throughout the process of making it.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’ve made many pivots throughout my life, from being a very busy freelance hair and makeup artist in the advertising and entertainment industry, to being a full-time mother, and then again to being a graduate student in landscape architecture, a store owner in Los Angeles, and finally to where I am now as an artist and maker.
Each of these experience have informed the work I do today. Making a pivot is always a leap of faith, but that leap is based on wisdom, discernment, and confidence from the knowledge I have gathered over a lifetime.
There is no linear path, I am always looking for doors that open, and opportunities that feed my soul.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The freedom to do what I love and work for myself is the most rewarding thing to me.
The freedom of expression that comes with being a creative, and finding an audience that resonates with my work is incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cymwarkovceramics.com
- Instagram: cymwarkovceramics
Image Credits
All photos taken by me.