We recently connected with Erin Otmishi and have shared our conversation below.

Erin, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

When I began my college studies I started in graphic design. I quickly learned it wasn’t for me. Hands on with paint, pencils, markers, whatever it is, that was the direction for me. So I switched after a year of graphic design. The one thing I noticed…graphic design and computers were taking over. Today the number one art we see is graphics/digital I feel that this is pushing a lot of artist/art in different directions to stay relevant. I have stuck with my trusty paints and they haven’t let me down. I love what graphics can do and how they can represent all kinds of things. My studies were towards the old masters and I think it’s important to preserve that and continue to try new things. Just like how AI is a concern for many aspects of everyday life, it is also a concern for art. Nothing will stop an artist from picking up their tool, but will trends take over? More digital art? Digital art of the art? Things are going towards NFT’s. That is a whole new world of art dealing! There’s good and there’s bad. One just needs to make sure research is put in and that we keep painting, drawing, coloring, building, and above all just..keep…creating.

Erin, 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 was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but grew up in Indiana. At the age of 5 my teacher set up a conference with my parents to discuss my artistic abilities. I haven’t stopped creating. Growing up I was the kid to make posters and signs for school, design T-Shirts, and whatever else was needed. I was part of the Art club all through school. Upon graduation of High School I attended University of Indianapolis. I learned a lot in that one year with painting techniques, but transferred to The Herron School of Art and Design. At Herron I focused on Art History and later graduated with my BA in Art History. I had residency at Pearl Street Pizzeria and Pub for two years where I sold many painting’s. Alas, I feel in love and moved. Now, located in southern California I continued painting. I found myself at an art show in L.A. and another in Dana Point. Life happens, and we moved a few more times before we settled in Colorado Springs, Co. I was so excited to meet people in the arts here. The art community in Colorado Springs was a relief, it felt like home. My husband has been such a solid rock support and helped me to further my art and become a business. We created stickers, coasters, bookmarks, and smaller replicas of my art to sell to consumers for more access of my art. Originals are for sale but of course the price is expected to more than a sticker lol. I wanted people to have something if they just loved it, and making more available products gave me that opportunity. I participated in the Woodland Art Festival over the summer with great success. I have a website now where people can order and buy my art. Recently, I took a position as an Art Instructor at the Bemis School of Art, offering Painting, Mixed Media, and Business of Art Classes. I have an instagram page under ArtistErinMollyO where I post what I’m working on, things relevant to art, ideas, other artists I find interesting, upcoming art events, and so much more. I have so many ideas that are ready for canvas and I’m so excited for what lies ahead.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Growing my clientele is about face time too. Sure, I can send out emails all day, asking for time for my art. It really still comes down to “showing up”. Putting your face to the work. You also meet people when you show up. There could be someone else that would be great to network with so it becomes more than just one meet and greet. First Fridays are a great place to start meeting other business owners, like gallery owners, and could be a great avenue to go down.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Lucky for me, my business partner is also my life partner. My husband is my greatest fan and support system. We met while I was a manager at the Claddagh Irish Pub in downtown Indianapolis. It was Halloween! He came in dressed as Slash from Guns and Roses, lol. He smiled and the rest was history. For Christmas I painted him a picture, and at that time I was taking a break from Art School since I was making decent money managing. When I gave him his painting he immediately told me to quit my job and finish Art School. So I did.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artist-erinmollyo.square.site/s/shop
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/artisterinmollyo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-otmishi
• Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/wzpV2tWf/2/s