Running a small business is really hard!

So, genius that I am (insert sarcasm here), I decided a couple of years ago that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I went to a small business development center in Cleveland, TN and I met with a counselor. She helped me develop a business plan, a rudimentary marketing strategy and she helped me apply for, and eventually get a business loan. Sounds good so far, right?

Well, that was the easy part. You see, my business, called Ingram Fine Arts, is based on my love of art materials. Paints, pencils, brushes, clays, knives, pastels, papers, easels, canvases....give me more! It is a sickness and any artist out there who does not suffer it should be truly grateful. Anyway, I love art materials and a few years ago I wanted to buy a sketchbook portfolio, some sort of binder that could hold a 9"x12" sketchbook and a bunch of art materials. I wanted something easier to carry than a tackle box, and something that I would keep more organized than a briefcase bag, canvas tote or backpack. I wanted a purpose-made sketchbook portfolio. Office portfolios don't hold enough pencils! Turned out, nobody made one. So, I made one for myself. I borrowed an old, old sewing machine from my grandmother and I bought some fabric and chipboard and elastic bands and a zipper and I made myself a sketchbook portfolio just the way i wanted it. You must understand that I had no idea how to use a sewing machine and it was pretty rough. But, it was functional and I was pleased with it. As I began to carry it around and show it to all of my art buddies I got a lot of really positive feedback on the idea. Light bulb! Maybe lots of artists all over the world would want one! It's a perfect blend of form and functionality, how could any artist resist? Turns out, "art materials" is a great big ol' world and its very easy to get lost in it.

My product is called Studio on the Go. You can take a look at it here: www.studio-onthego.com
I am very proud of it, I just can't seem to sell it. I have advertised it in art magazines, sold it through ebay and etsy, and I've tried feverishly to convince a few local art store owners to carry it. All with little success.
 
Some days, I really want to give up. I've got inventory in my garage where my car should be parked. I'm spending money on this portfolio that I could be putting away for college funds, or a sports car. I'm putting in a lot of hours that I could use to make art. Quitting is easy. But, I've always had a stubborn streak and I'm not throwing in the towel yet. I still believe that lightning will strike with this portfolio, and I am going to hang in there until it happens. Please wish me luck.

Now go make some art!
Chris Ingram