We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jake Mulder. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jake below.
Jake, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I feel like I’m able to keep my creativity alive by continually learning new techniques. I’m always looking for (and learning) new geometrical patterns that will completely transform the look and feel of a space. A few months ago, I took a class in Miami on Venetian Plaster at FirenzeColor. We learned seven different techniques, utilizing different types of plaster; we produced seven completely different sample boards, all showcasing different effects and textures. Continuing to be creative involves constant learning, growing, and evolving to fit the changing needs/wants of clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
It’s so funny, because I always tell people: “I’m like the gay, Martha Stewart.” I’ve always loved to cook and bake, I know how to sew, I garden vegetables and plant flowers, I can throw amazing parties and fun events, I create custom art using epoxy resin, I design/decorate, and I can work a power tool in order to create accent walls. Prior to moving to Texas in 2021, I was signed to Haley Gallery in New Albany, OH and was focused on creating and selling mixed-media art pieces utilizing crushed glass, crystals, and resin. Currently, my main focus is Mulder Artistry LLC. I established Mulder Artistry in April of 2022 and have been concentrating on creating custom accent walls, using various types and sizes of wood trim. I really enjoy the process of cutting, installing, and caulking the boards to create custom designs for my clients. I always say, “a few hours can make a huge difference!” In November of 2023, I went to Miami, Florida and took a Venetian Plaster class at FirenzeColor. I’m loving that I have a new option for clients who want to customize their home.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Honesty, determination, and a sense of humor are probably the most important/impactful qualities required for most types of work. People are going to say no, people are going to think you may not be capable of doing certain things, it’s important to not give up and to be persistent. There have been times when my schedule may not be as booked as I’d like, but staying determined and continuing to advertise and put myself out there is crucial. Being honest with clients (and yourself) is very important. If a client has unrealistic expectations or if there is an error made on the jobsite, the client needs to be told. It sounds crazy, but I will point out any and every flaw I see when I do a wall. Nothing is ever perfect and many times, they are very small imperfections, but I make sure my client is aware of them all. I would not want a client to come to me later and say, “well, you didn’t tell me about THIS…” And having a sense of humor will also help in most jobs. Nothing is going to go your way all of the time. When things go wrong, being able to laugh about the problem is a lot better than getting upset or having a tantrum.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
If I’m ever feeling overwhelmed, most of the time, I’ll walk away. Rather than snapping or getting too emotional over something that may be totally unavoidable, I take a walk. Reacting immediately can often work to your detriment, whether it be saying something unnecessary or having a physical outburst. Taking a few minutes by removing yourself from the overwhelming situation gives you time to clear your head and think about things in another way. Staying in control of your emotions is key when trying to operate a successful business. No one wants to work with someone who cannot keep their cool or who has extreme reactions to situations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mulderartistry.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mulder_artistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MulderArtistry
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-mulder-073151134/
