Biz Lounge: The art of making money as an artist in Nakuru

Today we explore the business of art.

For Evans Otieno and Denis Cheruyot, artistry is an inborn skill they have. The two have sharpened their talents over the years to reach the heights of artistic expression they have now.

Mtaa Wangu sits with them at the Galaxarium Art Hive in Agora, as they work on their current projects.

Evans notes that he started drawing in class six. It was not until he was in form two that he got his first payment of Sh 2,000 for his work as an artist after painting the name of a business premises.

All through high school, Evans collaborated with a paint selling company in the county to draw on walls. From this job, he got his seed capital of Sh 12,000 to buy paints, brushes, canvas among other artist tools.

“I always knew I wanted to be the artist whose painting rests on your wall and brings you fulfilment. Consequently, I left my contracted job that paid me an average of Sh 15,000 monthly and started painting from my house. I painted alongside my friends and together we hired a salesman who sold our works and was paid on commission,” he notes.

Evans adds that while at an art exhibition in Kijani cafe, last year, he met George Oula who exposed him to the diverse ways he could use his talent.

The self-taught artist starts by saying he makes about eight medium sized paintings in a month.

He adds that selling paintings is the first way to make money, revealing that the best sale he has made from his art piece is Sh 15,000.

“When people understand your art you tend to make more sales. Great appreciation for your work generates feedback which results to more workflow as an artist,” he notes.

Additionally, he says, "Art is all about the market you land your piece at. High end art auctions fetch a great amount for art, getting close to hundreds of thousands in sales. In Nakuru, I have proposed to showcase my art to local exhibition events where I have gotten clients. I am hoping that in future I can get my art to art galleries in Nairobi and abroad."

Other than that, Evans says curated events are also a lucrative alternative.

He says his mentor George introduced him and his partner to the concept of paint and sip which brings art lovers together for an evening of painting at a fee. Here they work as instructors.

“The larger the crowd the better the remuneration. Adults attend these events at a Sh 2,000 charge while children get to paint for the day for Sh 1,000. As an instructor, I guide them through the painting they want to do. At the end of the event they take the painting home,” he notes.

His counterpart Denis, whose background is on graphic design, notes that focusing on thematic painting could also generate revenue.

“Organizations purchase art that marries with their vision. Say those whose message is on Mental health; doing paintings around this could get you a great audience with organizations whose messaging is around mental health,” he notes.

Denis reveals that unknown to many, art competitions give great appreciation for artists whose works get exhibited.

“Art is everything to me, but I abide by what people say, 'Don't be the starving artist'. I have made over Sh 120,000 from winning art completions on mental health. My work went on to be exhibited abroad. Last year I also made it as a finalist in artist of the year at the Mask award competition. As an artist, I always explore opportunities that can get my art in front of a great audience,” he notes.