We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Skye Becker-Yamakawa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Skye below.
Skye, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
This story highlights the concept of being prepared for an opportunity and hard work. Back in the 90s, I graduated college with a Bachelors in Fine Art, and procured employment as a graphic designer. In my off time, I painted in the evenings and during the weekends, to build a body of work. At one point, I was evicted from my living space and was looking for a new place to live. I met with a real estate agent to purchase or rent a home, and she asked what I did for a living. She was very excited to see my artwork, and scheduled an appointment for a studio visit with her husband. They immediately purchased a 4 x 4 foot painting and placed a commission for a new piece. From that point, referrals started pouring in and Skye’s Art blossomed.
Skye, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Encouraged at a young age by my father, I pursued art graduating with a degree of Fine Arts from San Jose State University in 1997. After starting a family and painting for several years I joined a business networking group to learn how to grow my business.
In 2015, our family suffered the loss of our 5 year old daughter. It was devastating and left me hollow and spiritless. After some time, realizing the state I was in, identifying with the icon Frida Kahlo felt empowering.
In world culture, Frida represents strength, confidence, independence and resilience. Those who identify with Frida might be biracial, differ in sexual preference, fought through bad relationships, struggled physically, or rose to conquer their world.
Applying acrylic paint on wood panels, my interpretation of Frida represents strength, independence, confidence, and resilience, uses art history and symbolism.
Some symbols are,
Flowers equal new life,
Butterflies represents transformation,
Sugar Skulls to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us
Today I sell to private collectors, contribute back with community art projects, and successfully work with galleries.
The Off The Easel podcast began in 2022 with partner Catherine Moore, focused on supporting and educating artists on how to create, market, and sell their work. Spinning off from the podcast, an artist networking support group formulated to discuss issues and questions.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
New clients means new generations. As a small business owner, being capable of evolving and embracing new technology remains crucial to grow. Initially my clientele was born through local word of mouth. Today my audience has been cultivated through social media. Focusing primarily on Instagram, social media opened doors for Skye’s Art to interact with potential buyers, galleries, museums, and a plethora of opportunities internationally.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Hosting the Off The Easel podcast, enables us to interview artists as well as discuss different topics about surviving life as a working artist.
The amount of knowledge and experience gained from reaching out to different artists and embracing them taught me to focus and organize myself. By focusing on a niche market, understanding my why, and connecting with others, a reputation and name evolved.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://skyesart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/skyesartshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyevby
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRYf91O4EKIhj8eGRITqTWw