The next time you’re ready to buy wall art for a child’s bedroom, you might want to take a peek at Canvas Grafix. At just over 1 month old, they currently offer over 175 designs. Each piece strives to be unique and stylish, while also maintaining the ability to be personalized with the child’s name.
Canvas Grafix is the brain child of a larger partnership, under the name of Digital Leftovers. The business, which is made up of one graphic designer and a programmer, is based around website building, on top of their side ventures.
Needless to say, these are two very busy entrepreneurs. However, I was able to catch up with one of the partners, Kelly, and ask her a few questions about the business.
What was the inspiration for canvasgrafix.com?
We wanted to offer consumers an alternative to traditional children’s wall art.
What has the consumer reaction been like since your launch in mid February?
Been very positive. Made a few sales and have had a lot of retailer wanting to carry our designs.
How many designs would you say are currently listed for purchase?
Over 175
What goals do you have for canvasgrafix.com as you grow into your first year?
To come up with some fun collections in assorted palettes for twins, tweens, and continue to grow the product line up.
What separates your business from the competition?
We offer a modern, graphic approach to children’s art versus fine art or illustration. We take children’s favorite things (toys, food, fashion, etc.) and put a clever twist on them. We incorporate the child’s name into the design to make it more personalized.
Would you mind telling us a little more about your other business, Graphic Leftovers?
Graphic Leftovers is a member-generated online marketplace where designers and illustrators from all over the world can buy or sell logos, icons and illustrations. Contributors determine the value of their artwork and earn a commission on each purchase. Graphic Leftovers launched in March of 2008 with a database of only 100 images and 5 members. We now have over 2500 images and over 900 members.
What effect, if any, has the recession had on your business as a whole?
Since we just launched Canvas Grafix in February of 2009, we really do not have a benchmark to gauge the effects of the recession. Graphic Leftovers, on the other hand, has experienced a large spike in membership and submissions since January 2009. Designers and illustrators are seeking other means to supplement their income during these tough times.
Did you always see yourself as entrepreneurial minded or is this something you grew into?
Yes and no. As a graphic designer I have always have been providing creative marketing solutions for my clients but never had the time to execute my own ideas until I met my business partner, Daniel Errante, a young, talented web developer. The combination of our talents and entrepreneurial spirits is what helped make our ideas come to life.
What lessons have you learned from your adventures in the business world? What has your business taught you?
Never give up. There is a lot of competition out there –and to stay ahead, you really need to be innovative and fresh. Stay true to your ideas, stay focused and concentrate on providing the best product.
In one sentence, why should we buy from you?
Quality, personalized kids canvas art at a very competitive price.