The “Artz Enterprise project” is now well into its second month of inspirational stories, and many of our local young people have been rising to the challenge of learning more about just what it takes to be a social entrepreneur in today’s world.
Next up, let us tell you about Holly’s story. Now, unlike many of our other Artz Enterprise students, Holly’s initiative is not a one-off event, but an all-new creative business idea that’s setting itself up for the long term, and we love it!
At the beginning of June, 16-year-old Holly launched her “HB Drawings” business (her initials, but also like the pencil, we love it), featuring two product lines: firstly Holly’s “Disney Drawings” and secondly her “Smile With Words” artwork pieces.
Both of Holly’s products showcase her flare, talent and passion for the visual arts. Her “Disney Drawings” line comprises bespoke, original pencil drawings of many much-loved Disney characters; and her “Smile With Words” line features well known inspirational quotes embedded into stunning mixed media artwork.
Holly’s pieces are available to be purchased for just £6 (which includes postage and packaging) and make stunning gifts or mementos for your own home! Orders can be placed through Holly’s two Facebook pages, and payment for any order is accepted through PayPal:
For Holly’s Disney Drawings visit:
https://www.facebook.com/Disney-Drawings-109455684131767/
For Holly’s Smile With Words visit:
https://www.facebook.com/Smile-With-Words-112699390472268/
I caught up with Holly to see how she was finding her Artz Enterprise experience, and to find out more about what she has planned next…
Claire: Hiya Holly! Congrats on a very successful first couple of weeks at HB Drawings. You’ve worked so hard to get your small business to where it is now and we are very proud of you! But what gave you the idea in the first place?
Holly: So my initial idea was very loose, and I had 5 completely different pieces and styles going on! I just knew I wanted to make and sell “art”. Mark helped me to refine my ideas down to 2 of the styles that I had already started – the pencil drawings and the quote boards.
Claire: You are very talented! It’s a brilliant initiative. Have you always enjoyed drawing?
Holly: I always loved art as a kid, and in High School I studied GCSE art. It’s always felt like the one lesson I could chill in! I’m a pretty big stress-er but art just helps me to forget it all. So much so, I’m now going to study art at A-level too.
Claire: Yes! We love this Holly. Such a positive story, and your proceeds for the artwork are being donated to the Artz Centre! Is there a main reason that motivated you to fundraise for this cause?
Holly: The Artz Centre is also a huge part of my life, and I don’t know where I’d be if there was no Centre to go back to after lockdown!
Claire: It’s safe to say we all feel very similar! Your business venture actually covers two different products, the Disney drawings and the quotes pieces. Can you tell us a little more about each?
Holly: So the Disney Drawings are A5 sized, black and white pencil drawings that are rapidly becoming less Disney. I did Professor Snape recently, and my friends chameleon! And I actually have some more non-Disney orders, currently. The other product is a 15×15cm collage board with quotes painted over, in the style of wherever the quote came from, for example Mulan was designed in reds and greens.
Claire: They are brilliant! What has been your favourite piece to create so far?
Holly: Ursula was very fun to draw, but my favourite pieces to create are the collages in general. I love the process of them! My favourite collage so far is probably the rainbow one that was actually Mel’s submitted quote (“Try to be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud”)
Claire: That’s right, our wider Artz community have been submitting quotes for your work through our App! You’ve worked so hard to set this all up Holly, and I’m sure you’ve had some challenges along the way. What has been difficult, and how have you overcome any of these challenges?
Holly: Well, to be honest, I had no clue where to begin with the whole “business” aspect of my project. But Ash helped me set up the Paypal account, so that I could process orders properly, and Mark gave me a load of advice on what kind of things to post across Social Media. Before I knew it, everything was sorted!
Claire: I’m sure it’s kept you very busy during lockdown! How many drawings and quotes pieces have you created so far?!
Holly: So far I have completed 23 drawings, and have another 5 in the process… and I’ve created 11 quote boards!
Wowee! We are so impressed with Holly’s organisation, determination and creativity, and we cannot wait to watch her initiative grow over the coming weeks. If you would like to purchase any of Holly’s custom artwork you can follow the above Facebook links or contact her over on Instagram @holls.mcb
If you would like to submit a quote for Holly to create into her next piece of mixed media art, you can do so via the Artz App > Forms & Surveys.
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