“I graduated during the pandemic in 2020, and I didn’t know what to do. I was freelancing, and the ABI helped me create more structure for what I wanted to do as an artist.” Although the ABI provided different opportunities, an important one for Piecuch was meeting various already established artists. “I’m very new to all of this. I learned what to do, what not to do, and how to grow your following on social media.”
Walking into the ABI, multiple artists are there to greet you. “We greet everyone who walks in. By doing that, you establish relationships.” One technique Piecuch came to use was putting herself out there and being social with customers. “I think it sounds kind of cheesy, but put yourself out there. I don’t think I would’ve approached people face-to-face, especially during a pandemic, or after quarantine, when people started to come out more.”
She explained that being there as an artist physically builds a connection with clients as they experiences the insider perspective that connects artists to their other half (the customer).
Piecuch encourages artists in their transitional phase to check out the ABI. “Especially people out of college who have no idea what to do. But, I think if you’re dedicated, hard-working, and interested in learning about business, this is a great place.”
In the future, a long-term goal of Piecuch is to create a design team or be an Art Director. She also plans to open a Print Studio since it’s become a popular medium in an area where Printmaking has had its chance to begin again. “I’ve been selling out all of my classes. People want to learn this, and it’s crazy.”
