We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Ghormley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have my Master’s degree in Fine Art, and have taught college level art classes as a part time Adjunct Faculty. Full time jobs for artists are scarce, so at a certain point I was forced into figuring out how to convert my skills and talents into an income. My creative work takes on many forms, and can generally be placed into 3 categories; Personal artwork (Jennifer Ghormley artist), Installation artwork (galleries, art consultants, public and private spaces), and Product artwork (Jen G Studios business, art fairs, consignment shops). Starting the Jen G Studios business in 2010 was exhilarating and scary all at once. I taught myself how to market my artwork, how to gain new clients and broaden my audience, what art I can make that people want to buy, and most importantly how to sell my artwork and products. This is something that was never discussed or encouraged in school, so I had to be resourceful and figure it out on my own. Lat year I bought my first house almost solely with income from Jen G Studios, so I feel like I have been successful thus far. I do believe in setting goals, and this has been paramount to my success and growth as a business, and as a creative.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My personal artwork engages the figure in the discussion of emotions, relationships, and self-inspection. What sets me apart from others is my unique background and perspective, as I do not feel the need to follow trends. I have achieved my success thus far with great emotional support from those around me, but also having a strong work ethic and desire for long-term success. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, and challenges are an opportunity to grow and learn. The lessons I have learned along the way are to set goals, be courageous and forgiving, and view competition as inspiration. Once I began to set goals, and be specific about them in the short term, middle, and long term, everything around me began to change. When I started working on myself and who I am as a person, the world around me began to change and opportunities opened up.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Bike on Cherry Creek bike path, volleyball in Wash Park, walk around Larimer Square, concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, hike the Boulder Flat Irons, soak in the Mount Princeton Hot Springs, road trip to Vail, Aspen, Telluride, Durango, Steamboat Strawberry Hot Springs after dark.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many who support artists remain behind the scenes, including friend, family, and other artists in the community. Building bridges and lasting relationships with each art organization I work with, it’s difficult to just name one person or organization. I was fortunate enough to participate in a 2-year artist residency at RedLine Contemporary Art Center, and the support of Executive Director Louise Martorano continues to benefit my career to this day.
Website: https://jenniferghormley.com/home.html https://www.jengstudios.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferghormleyartist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenGStudios/