Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Robinson.
Hi Bill, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After selling Hotel Millersburg, which I owned with my wife Shirley, we decided to relocate to Sandusky. We had been aware of Sandusky due to relatives who lived in the area, and due to my having managed extensive real estate in the area. Also, I personally enjoy living in a tourist area. Holmes County, where Hotel Millersburg is located, and Sandusky are considered the two top tourist attractions in Ohio.
Before moving to Sandusky I had decided that I wanted to start a small business. I thought about opening a store to sell chandeliers and ceiling medallions, hence the name The Ceiling Art Company. Hotel Millersburg was an historic hotel which we redecorated to match its Victorian past. The hotel was built in 1847, so we filled it with historical artifacts, including antique chandeliers and hand painted ceiling medallions. I thought carrying this experience to a store front in Sandusky might work out. Well, it didn’t work. Next, in the same location at 403 West Market Street in Sandusky, I decided to add antiques to the selection of items for sale. I was located adjacent to an established antique store, Now and Then. I soon realized that my store was too small to carry a large enough selection of items.
One of the pieces of antique furniture I offered for sale was a 1950’s era LP record cabinet. The cabinet was in good condition, but plain. I hand painted the image of an atomic cat on the cabinet sides, and the cabinet immediately sold. I purchased a second LP record cabinet, painted it in a similar image, and it quickly sold. I then looked around my shop and found other items which could be decorated.
As my hand painted items began to sell, much better than the chandeliers, medallions, and antiques, I changed the direction of what I was willing to sell in the store. At first I looked for less expensive antiques which could be purchased, painted and resold. I realized that customers were more interested in the painted images than the antiques themselves. This led me to searching for items at flea markets, local auction houses, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and the curb. At first I looked for old and discarded furniture. However the store offered a limited amount of floor space, so I refocused on restoring items that could be hung from the ceiling, remember, The Ceiling Art Company, and items that could be hung from the walls. I found that framed pictures and mirrors offered the best opportunity for creative painting.
When I first started painting I focused on the 1950’s era, Mid Century Modern. While these items continue to sell well, I started expanding my portfolio. I painted more complex images from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. These sold well, but seemed to attract a limited market. What I really found of interest were images from Alice In Wonderland and Steampunk. These images attracted a larger market, and I really enjoyed painting them. Both image types led me to working on shadow boxes where the main images could be painted and embellished with images on the sides of the boxes, and where dangling items could be added for an interesting 3D effect.
I do not have any training in art or painting. I found I have the ability to look at an image and reproduce a facsimile of it, while adding my own interpretations to the image. I love to work with color. A lot of people who enter my store ask if the same artist did all of the work. It is my combination of colors and style that make my work recognizable.
That is where I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am lucky in that I have not faced any serious obstacles. The challenging part was to discover what worked and how I could focus on that. I love what I am doing. I usually get into the store about 11:00 AM, and once I start working I am often surprised that the day is quickly over. My main obstacle is location. I am located two blocks from downtown Sandusky, but my rent is affordable in my present location. I don’t think I could afford to relocate to the downtown strip.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is somewhat unique in that my store is also my art gallery. People entering my store will see an artist at work. This has lead me to several commissions for custom painting. I have been told that my store would work in San Francisco. Talk about affordable rent.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My best mentors are my customers. They tell me what they like, and through their purchases I have an idea where to go.
Pricing:
- Prices range from about $15 to $175 depending on size and complexity of the item and painted image.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheCeilingArtCompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Ceiling-Art-Company-61553185371420/
