Name of your website?Art and Things
Your name?
Chris Pointer
Your Location (city, etc)
Bude
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Original paintings and prints by myself and my wife, also a range of accessories and jewellery aimed at surfers and new age customers.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
It is a way to get our artwork to the world market
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
First site was back in 2004 and was just an online gallery, we have now changed to be able to take payments and sell other items to bolster the business
How did you decide on a name for your website?
It was chosen as that is what we offer, art and things, the things being any weird and wonerful items that catch our eye
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
I think it has an ecletic mix of items, we like fun things that are a bit off the wall, many artists take themselves too seriously
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
To make a living, hopefully it will continue to grow and we will keep adding more artwork and other items as we find them
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
I work from home, I enjoy what I do so the time does not matter, as long as it makes a living and I can still paint and walk by the sea it's all good
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would hire a studio so I could create larger paintings, the site would be larger and maybe I would afford to get someone to do the design work for me
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes, I have family that would be more than willing to work with me if required
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
The financial situation throughout the world is not too good and my products are more luxury items, hopefully we are comming out of that now
What has been your biggest challenge?
Self motivation, to keep going when business is quiet
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Linking to others and word of mouth
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It is harder than I thought to get visitors
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
We have had a site for 6 years, we will keep it going even if the traffic does not grow, as long as it breaks even, it would be nice to make a profit though
What is the most important thing for your business?
Customers, they are your lifeblood, we believe if you treat them right they will return and bring friends, treat them badly and you don't eat.
What is your website address?
Art and Things
