Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erik Of I Paint Poorly. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erik, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

Yes, indeed! I wholeheartedly donate all the profits from my paintings on www.ipaintpoorly.com to two remarkable organizations: the American Cancer Society and The Wounded Warrior Fund. The decision to support these causes was driven by personal experiences and a deep sense of compassion.

Firstly, cancer has affected the lives of many people around me, including close friends and family members. Witnessing the emotional and physical toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones inspired me to contribute to the ongoing battle against this disease. The American Cancer Society is at the forefront of cancer research, working tirelessly to find better treatments, improve early detection methods, and ultimately find a cure. By donating a percentage of my sales to this organization, I hope to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer and provide support to those who need it most.

Secondly, as a veteran myself I strongly believe in Art Therapy. Many veterans face unique challenges upon returning from duty, including physical and emotional wounds. The Wounded Warrior Fund is dedicated to providing critical support to these brave individuals, assisting in their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into civilian life. By contributing to this organization, I aim to express my deep appreciation for our veterans and honor their sacrifices.

Choosing these causes was a deeply personal decision for me. I believe that as an artist, I have a responsibility to use my talent and platform to make a positive impact on society. Both cancer research and veteran support resonate deeply with me, and I feel privileged to be able to contribute to these important causes through my artwork.
Through www.ipaintpoorly.com, I can merge my passion for art with my desire to bring about positive change. By donating all profits to these organizations, I hope to create a ripple effect of hope, support, and healing. Every painting sold becomes a symbol of generosity and compassion, allowing art lovers to join me on this meaningful journey.
Thank you for allowing me to share my passion and the reasons behind my choice of causes. Together, let us create a brighter future for cancer patients and our nation’s veterans.

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.

Of course! I’m thrilled to share my story with your readers. In a nutshell, I’m a local artist who raises money for charity at www.ipaintpoorly.com by selling my poorly painted paintings. What sets me apart is not just my dedication to art (or my poor painting skills) but also my commitment to making a positive impact in two significant areas: cancer research and supporting our nation’s veterans.

Before delving into the art world, I served in the Navy. Through my own experiences, I came to understand the immense healing power of art therapy and I witnessed its transformative effects on other veterans as well. This realization ignited a passion within me to combine my love for art with my desire to give back to the veteran community.

To accomplish this, I established www.ipaintpoorly.com, an online platform where I showcase and sell my paintings and donate the profits to charity. I offer a diverse range of creative works, each with its own unique charm and style. From vibrant landscapes and abstract expressions to topographical 3D maps I call, “Satellite View”, my paintings are designed to evoke emotions, ignite imagination, and serve as a source of inspiration.

What I’m most proud of is the ability to combine my passion for art, my personal experiences, and my desire to give back into one cohesive mission. I’m honored to use my artistic talent as a catalyst for positive change, and I hope that through my paintings, I can bring joy, healing, and support to those who need it most. Every purchase from www.ipaintpoorly.com not only brings a unique piece of art into their lives but also contributes directly to meaningful causes.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

Thank you for the question! As a one-man shop, I handle all aspects of my online art business, including e-commerce, financials, and shipping, through my website www.ipaintpoorly.com. While there are popular platforms like Amazon and Etsy available for selling artwork, I made a deliberate choice to have my own independent platform. By selling on my own website gives me complete control and creative freedom over my brand and the presentation of my art. I have the flexibility to design the website to reflect my unique style and create an immersive experience for visitors. This allows me to curate a cohesive online presence that aligns with my artistic vision and the purpose behind my work.

Another advantage of selling through my own website is the direct connection I establish with customers. I can build a more personal relationship with art enthusiasts and collectors, fostering a sense of community and engagement. I have the opportunity to communicate directly with customers, understand their preferences, and provide a more tailored experience. This direct interaction allows for better customer service and the ability to address inquiries or concerns promptly. Ultimately, my decision to sell exclusively on my own website stems from the desire for artistic independence, creative control, and the ability to foster direct connections with customers and art lovers.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Yes, I paint all of my own paintings, however I have not ever received any formal training in painting or lessons. Instead, I embarked on this creative journey through trial and error, driven by a passion to express myself, make a difference through charity, and hopefully motivate others who haven’t received formal training. With no prior knowledge of painting, I picked up a paintbrush and started experimenting in different mediums. I embraced the idea that there was no right or wrong way to create art. Instead, I focused on the emotional release and therapeutic benefits that came with the creation of your own art.

If I can leave your readers with one final message, I believe my philosophy behind www.ipaintpoorly.com says it best: “IPaintPoorly’s intent is to motivate all artists regardless of skill level to accept imperfections and share their art. I want to empower you to own it. Own your skill level and love it. I want to normalize the acceptance of those imperfections because they make you who you are… and that’s what art is. You. By its very nature, everything you create is art, and whether you’re on the B squad or not, you’re in the game. You’re the artist in the arena, face marred with dust and sweat. Your art matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ipaintpoorly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ipaintpoorly/