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In this episode of the Art Coaching Club podcast, Hayley Price interviews Megan Bicklein, an artist who creates custom silhouettes of children and pets. Megan’s journey into entrepreneurship highlights her unique approach to growing her business through influencer marketing and her passion for creativity.
Megan’s Background and Early Career
Before starting her art business, Megan had a varied career, including event planning and working for a luxury proposal planning company. However, after the birth of her daughter, she began searching for a creative outlet, which led to her first silhouette piece. She initially made custom silhouettes for friends and family, but the overwhelmingly positive response on social media motivated her to open an Etsy shop. Megan's shop rapidly grew, transforming her hobby into a thriving full-time business.
Megan shares that this transition into entrepreneurship came naturally, thanks to the support she received. She recalls, “I think people look at [my work] and they’re just immediately drawn to it. Like, okay, I need that… All I have to do is just purchase this piece and I’m partially there.”
Harnessing Influencer Marketing to Grow a Brand
One of the main strategies Megan used to scale her business was influencer marketing. She began by offering her custom silhouettes to smaller influencers, who in turn shared her work with their followers. This exposure gradually led to larger collaborations, expanding Megan’s audience and client base. Megan highlights the importance of building relationships with influencers whose aesthetics and values align with her brand.
She shares her initial doubts about contacting influencers, saying, "I put influencers on a pedestal because I thought they would never talk to me… But they've been so willing to help me grow my business.” Megan’s success with this strategy emphasizes the value of putting yourself out there, regardless of perceived barriers.
Staying Creative and Productive
Running a creative business requires balancing artistic inspiration with day-to-day operations, and Megan has developed several strategies to maintain both. She focuses on managing her energy effectively, batching tasks, and setting boundaries to preserve her work-life balance. “It’s amazing how much can happen in not that much time,” Megan notes. By testing different approaches and learning along the way, she has found that persistence pays off.
Megan also stresses the importance of not comparing yourself to others and staying transparent about your process. She believes that artists who embrace their own journey, rather than focusing on the success of others, can avoid unnecessary stress and burnout.
Collaborating with Designers: A Future Dream
Looking ahead, Megan aspires to have her work featured in a show house—a dream she’s working toward by connecting with interior designers. As someone who has collaborated with designers in the past, Megan understands the potential of these partnerships. She explains that when designers feature art in high-end homes, it provides a real-life context for potential buyers. “People see exactly how to style it, what it could look like… And their head is going, well, my house could look like that.”
Megan’s advice for artists interested in collaborating with designers is simple: don’t be afraid to reach out. Even if it feels daunting, connecting with designers could open doors to new opportunities. Megan is already putting her plans into action, adding, “That’s such a great idea. I’m totally putting that on my to-do list!”
Conclusion: Authentic Growth and Business Success
Megan’s story illustrates how persistence, authenticity, and leveraging the right marketing strategies can lead to business success. Her journey from working in event planning to running a thriving art business is a testament to her creativity and willingness to take risks. By building relationships with influencers, managing her energy, and staying true to her values, Megan has created a sustainable, fulfilling career.
Learn more about Megan here.
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