We recently had the chance to connect with Chris Cruz and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chris, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I have built of community of alike people who enjoy painting. I love coming to a new group of students and make them feel at home. They become friends quickly and it always amazes me to see the joy of them creating something beautiful. I learn from them also. They become very creative in no time at all.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chris Cruz. I teach painting workshops around the Birmingham area and travel teach to Tennessee. People often comment that they love attending my workshops because I teach them in a way that builds their confidence in painting and makes them want to go home and create some beautiful artwork. Students say the love the ability I have to make them gain confidence in themselves and appreciate that I guide them step by step while explaining the reasons why things are done in that manner.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I was taught that if you worked hard you would get rewarded for your efforts. I learned as an adult that it is a totally false way to raise children.
Hard work does not give you the rewards to deserve. I learned that perseverance after doing the hard work is what paid off. You can hear so many “no”s but eventually you starting hearing yeses.
Nothing happens over night. Finding the right path to share your work is very hard. In my case I learned that in painting your art – you have to decide whether to expand your art in order to make money, like teaching classes, doing expenses art venues, museums, or selling at lower end art shows. You need to wear many hats.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I love this question. It took me a long time to learn that I had to learn to listen to myself before others could hear me. What is it that I want them to hear from me? I learned to edit those thoughts before sharing them with others. Sometimes the condensed version of your point will keep the other person engaged.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies is pricing of art work. Very few people can make a living selling their art. Do you sell low, do you sell a little higher?
The most important factor is to know your audience. If you have access to a community that can pay high prices for your art work that is wonderful but if you live in a community where people are not at the income level that can pay those high prices for art it is time to decide what market your art will sell at and at what price. That takes a long time to figure out but if you stay with it you will find your path.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am teaching my students to paint. When I see that the way I am teaching them allows them to open their creative minds. I learn so much from my students.
The connection with other people fills my soul. I was not mean to be in a studio painting all day without dealing with people. Knowing how to paint, photograph, bake, etc. is a gift that we have the responsibility to share with others. We cannot take that talent with us when we are no longer here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chriscruzdesigns.com
- Instagram: Chris Cruz Designs
- Facebook: Chris Cruz Designs
- Youtube: Chris Cruz Designs
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