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

Hi Franklin, thanks for joining us today. How do you think about cost-management? Growing a business is always exciting, but often businesses run into issues when costs grow faster than revenue – have you experienced such an episode? Any advice for other operators around how to keep costs in line?

I immensely believe that everyone can learn to be significantly good at skills if they’re passionate and patient enough. Being an artist and owning a business often entails, wearing a lot of hats, especially in the initial stages. This includes being your curator, social media manager, marketing manager, grant writer, photographer, etc you get the gist. It’s a lot of work. However, it is very possible. Ideally, you would employ people to do these jobs, but that costs more. One of the best ways I have learned to save costs is by learning these skills as I grow.

Franklin, 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 started college in 2014 at Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Minnesota. I have a degree in studio arts with an emphasis on painting. I took my first painting class in 2016 and I struggled significantly as anyone would expect. However, I quickly learned that with the right resources, enough work, and patience, anyone really can learn any skill, and eventually start to improve.

About 2 years later, after I had accumulated a significant amount of original oil paintings and fine art prints. I gradually start learning about being an entrepreneur and running my own art business. Yes, easier said than done. But like I said earlier, there are so many good resources out there that we can learn skills from. I officially opened and registered my business in 2020

I am in the art business and I deal in creating and sharing visual art. I offer commission services which entail painting custom oil paintings for my clients. I also provide a vast range of original oil paintings and professional fine art prints. Both on my online stores and in person. I also work as an art educator. I teach classes at the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota, and also other venues in the area.

My passion comes from wanting to grow, and my craft has played a big role in that growth. I am also passionate about making art more inclusive for everyday people. Make the arts more accessible to everyone. The core value of my creativity and business is representation, inclusion, recognizing and sharing the beauty of self and others.

I go the extra mile for my clients and even the people I teach to let them know that they are valued, they are heard, and that my work presents them in a lot of ways.

What makes me different? I believe individualism is what makes us all different in our creative endeavors. I also value the opinions of everyone I interact with as an individual or as a business. You learn so much more when you listen.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The age of social media. What a Time to be alive. Social media has been one of the biggest tools that have contributed to the success of my business. as an artist, I feel, it is very important to get your work out there. Especially if you’re looking to sell and grow your business. It doesn’t matter how good your art is if it’s just sleeping in your studio.

Earlier in my career, it started with posting really horrible photographed pictures of my painting on Facebook and Instagram. It wasn’t great but at least it show people what I was capable of and what I had available for sale. And now, two years in, I still use social media as a resource to reach people who are looking for my services.

Advice for people starting to build their social media presence?

Download, TikTok right now! never in history of the Internet have we seen a social media platform as powerful as TikTok, in terms of reaching your audiences. Make those videos and post of them. Also, don’t forget to try as much as possible to bring yourself and your personality into the videos and post you make about your business. In my experience people connect better when they can put a face to your work/business.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a creator and business owner is: at the end of the day people want value out of you and your business. So give them value. The value can be in terms of very good products, a charming/kind personality, free stuff, etc. The list goes on and on. Give them a reason to want to come back to you and a reason to remember you.

The most popular product from my business is fine art prints (ranging from $15-$45). One of the best marketing decisions I made was deciding to have a (BUY 2 GET 1 FREE) deal for all fine art prints. It sounds very simple but that marketing decision alone increased my sales by over 70%. Who doesn’t want free stuff? In the beginning, it felt risky because I was giving away free art, but as I said earlier, customers want value. And they will reward you for giving them value.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://franklinugochukwuarts.carrd.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frank__freezy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinUgochukwuArts
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franklin-ugochukwu-b06569141
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVlMFHP-4l6raMH0Fc3YsBQ