Job Talk with a decorative artist
Job Talk with a decorative artist
What does your job entail?
I create custom murals, painted furniture, faux finishes and restore antiques and/or historical finishes for homeowners and business owners, interior designers and builders. Requests range from modern to traditional to whimsical. I work on walls, floors, ceilings, staircases, fireplaces, doors, and new and old furniture.
How did you become involved in this line of work?
While studying for my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla., I picked up commissions posted at the school’s job bank where people in the community sought artists for murals, graphic design, etc.
What training or education is required?
A BFA is helpful but not required. My four-year education gave me a fantastic start in design — understanding color, composition and handling different mediums. Over the years I have learned how to properly prepare surfaces and preserve finished pieces from various experts at small paint and art supply stores. Professional books on decorative and faux finishes can explain a lot of the techniques and tools, but there is nothing like hands-on experience. Don’t underestimate the value of a business and marketing class.
What does it take to do your job successfully?
Communicating clearly with your clients is essential! This includes detailed contracts, approved samples, full-scale drawings and frequent updates on your progress as you move forward. Going the extra mile to be clean, thoughtful and produce top-quality work will always generate referrals.
What’s most challenging about your job?
Estimating cost accurately is difficult because art is a process that evolves and nothing is certain. If you overestimate you will likely come in under your bid, which will make the client happy and you will be paid for your time.
What is most rewarding?
Getting paid well for something you absolutely love is most rewarding, but each project is an opportunity to learn about a different culture, style or type of design. Compliments and referrals are wonderful; I have had clients use me repeatedly for over 10 years. Also, transforming something unattractive into something breathtaking.
Any advice for someone interested?
Build your portfolio by doing projects for yourself, friends and family. Spend time marketing your work, even when you are busy, which will ensure you have work when you are finished with a big project.
Every two weeks, Job Talk highlights a different job in the Triad area with input from those who actually do them. Interested in participating or have a suggestion for a job you’d like us to feature? Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or patrick.collins@news-record.com.
Allison Cosmos 041909
Artist Allison Cosmos specializes in painted furniture, luxury finishes and custom murals. Here she works on a mural at a local wine shop.
Nancy Sidelinger Special Sections Photographer
■ Name/age: Allison Cosmos, 35
■ Occupation: Decorative artist
■ Employer: Self-employed, The Art and Design of Allison Cosmos
■ Years in field: 13
■ Salary range: $25,000 to $80,000, based upon her own experience as a freelance artist
