INTERVIEW:
LYDIA MAKES ART
Lydia Ford, a junior at St. Mary's, started a small art business during COVID, and here she talks about her favorite aspects of her business. She is a talented and passionate artist who makes gift tags, stationery, custom canvases, and more! You can find her on Instagram @lydiamakes.art or through her website www.lydiamakesart.company.site
I sat down and talked with her about the impact her small business has had on her over the past four years.
By Mollie Wexler (Online Magazine Editor)
MOLLIE: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START LYDIA MAKES ART?
Lydia: During the COVID pandemic, I made some gift tags for my family members and was encouraged by my mom to try and sell some!
MOLLIE: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT OWNING A SMALL BUSINESS?
Lydia: Seeing people’s visions come to life through commissions is an incredibly rewarding feeling, especially when the art I create is a sentimental gift. This past holiday season, I painted several childhood houses and former pets, and I received so many kind and appreciative messages from the giftees that reminded me how much it can mean to have memories turned into tangible art pieces.
MOLLIE: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE YOU HAVE HAD COMMISSIONED BEFORE?
LYDIA: I always love making dorm art because my art can reach new people and states, but my favorite commission ever has to be a piece I made for family friends of their now deceased dog. I grew up with this dog, so I knew how much he meant to my family and friends. I also got to see the opening of the gift and may have shed a few tears with the extremely grateful recipients.
MOLLIE: WHY DO YOU LIKE MAKING ART?
Lydia: Art is my way of calming down from the stressful school week. I put on my Spotify playlist, get my paints ready, and feel my anxiety dissolve as I create.
MOLLIE: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO START A SMALL BUSINESS?
Lydia: DO IT! Seriously. I’ve learned so much about myself and about art from selling pieces, so much so that I’m looking into entrepreneurship programs in college. Also, trust that you will have supporters in your friends, family, and the St. Mary’s community–you will reach new people without even realizing it. Involve yourself in pop-up shops, promote your product on social media, and believe in your capability!
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