Meet Virginia Cannon

We recently connected with Virginia Cannon and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Virginia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I learned a strong work ethic from several different sources. As a first generation American, my Father instilled in us the importance of having a strong work ethic, being true to your word and and the joy of working. I suppose that I’ve always been fortunate to have jobs (for the most part) that I’ve truly enjoyed. I couldn’t wait to get to work the next day to see what was going to happen and I certainly never wanted to miss anything.

My first job with Hirsch/Bedner when I was in my early twenties was the first time that anyone trusted me with any real responsibility. People were counting on me and a job well done was handsomely rewarded. That job taught me alot about people, getting along with them and anticipating their needs before they even knew what they needed. I learned the importance of showing up on time and always tackling every task with enthusiasiam.

After starting my own company, I was working on my first residential project in the early 90’s, for the then President of MCA Records, Tony Brown. I called his office one day, fully expecting to first chat with his assistant but he answered the phone. I said, “Oh Tony, why are you answering your own phone, where’s your assistant?” He said “Because it’s my phone and I can answer it.” And he laughed. He said that it’s important to be able to do every job in the office so that you can understand the needs of your people. He also told me that it’s important to answer every call or return the call as soon as you can so that people feel heard, even if the answer is No. That always stuck in my head. The message was clear, If you are too big for the little things, you’ll be too little for the big things.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My Company is a full service Art Consulting Company specializing in Luxury Hospitality and Upscale Residential. We provide all the Artwork and Accessories, including Sculpture, for these different projects. We coordinate having them framed, packed, and shipped to the jobsite as well as oversee the installation.

The key to being successful at this is two-fold. You have to have a vast array of resources and we add to them on almost a daily basis. It’s important to be able to offer new and exciting artwork for each client based on their needs. We then have to be extremely organized to assemble the entire Art Program and get the finished products hung and in place for the client on their schedule.

It’s fun to look for new Art Resources whether its paintings, photography or sculpture. Murals have also become a widely used Art Form so we keep an eye out for artists that can complete large scale Art Pieces. It’s like going shopping every day! Plus most Artists are pretty interesting people. Consider what makes a person so creative and bold enough to be a full time artist.

Sometimes you discover something that is just so unique and different like a photographer that I discovered recently out of Australia. He was a Concert Cellist that was fascinated with vintage instruments, and I mean Vintage! Guitars, violins, cellos dating back to the 16 and 1700’s. He was so intrigued with the interior of these instruments that he figured out a way to be able to get a really good look inside and what he discovered is amazing. He then figured out how to photograph these interiors and had them printed in a large scale format. The finished image looks very much like an Architectural Photograph of an old building or old train station. You can actually see the scrapings made by the original luthier on the inside of the instrument. Having numerous projects in Music City, it’s nice to be able to offer up something besides the old standard of guitar art. You always have to be thinking outside the box so that your work doesn’t become stale and predictable. That’s the joy of it!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I was never afraid to ask a question. If I didn’t know something, I sought out someone that did. As my old friend Bobby always says “The only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask.” If you are curious enough you’ll soon become an expert in your field.

We also always say that every bit of knowledge comes from a mistake made. If you stick around long enough, the mistakes become fewer and the knowledge grows greater.

You also have to be present to win. The more you put yourself out there, the more risks you take, the better you will become and the more valuable your skills will be.

I would say my number one thing is Never be afraid to ask a question. People intuitively want to share their knowledge and help you along the way.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking for folks to collaborate with. I’ve been around long enough to know that there is power in sharing knowledge. For example, if you connect with someone from a different country or even just state, you are gaining a second set of eyes, another skill-set or just learning something new. This industry is constantly evolving, as is every industry, and if you don’t keep up with changes or current ideas, you’ll get left behind.

With every project, we are collaborating with an Interior Designer as well as the end client. The Designer’s input is key to completing a successful Art Collection. The Designer has an idea of what the client is looking for in the overall design and it’s important to be able to compliment their vision for the project. So if we can satisfy their needs with exciting Art Selections, organize it for them and deliver on time, we are not only making them look good but also saving them time which helps their bottom line. Always look for the win/win and allow everyone to do what they do best!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.virginiacannon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiacannonfineart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-cannon-208707211/

Image Credits

Jeff Fasano