OFI 1625: How To Turn Artistic Ability Into A Full Time Career | A.W. Erwin | Hooves & Horns “Cowtoons”

A.W. Erwin is a syndicated “cowboy cartoonist” with a quick wit and funny personality. He has been drawing cartoons of cowboys and cowgirls in funny situations for decades now, and this is his form of “off-farm income”.

Making his home in north central Texas, he is immersed in the cowboy lifestyle knowing people far and wide who are preserving the old ways and arts of cowboying. To keep his commute as a short walk from his house to his studio, A.W. has developed a line of products he sells as well as services. He has mastered “re-purposing”. A drawing he made yesterday might become a coffee mug tomorrow and a calendar next year.

A.W. made his first appearance on the Off-Farm Income Podcast in 2015, and he is back today with more inspiration and advice for artists who don’t know how to turn their passion into a full-time business.

KEY IDEAS:

ADVICE FROM A.W.:

PCA: A.W. says that you need to stay patient, creative and aggressive.

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: A.W. is a firm advocate of knowing your audience, so you can give them what they want or find a new audience.

MARKETING: After multiple attempts to get others to recognize his talent A.W. was rejected as not having a marketable product. A.W. went on his own and personally marketed his materials. He suggests this to everyone to help you build your reputation and develop relationships with your customers.

A.W.’S PERSONAL HABIT THAT IS CONTRIBUTING TO HIS SUCCESS:

TALK TO YOURSELF!: With no tongue in cheek, A.W. suggests talking to yourself. He says that it is important to solve problems, reflect on what you have done and to keep a positive mindset. There are too many detractors out there.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE THAT A.W. HAS RECEIVED:

THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES: A.W. states that the best business advice he has received was from the movie “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” “Endeavor to Persevere” is the mantra that A.W. lives by. Don’t give up, and keep moving forward.

START YOUNG: A.W. states that if you are young and considering something creative, go for it now. Before you get older and have more responsibilities try it. You will always have time to start over if you fail when you are young.

LINKS:

A.W.’s website: Hooves & Horns Cowtoons

A.W.’s Facebook Page: Link

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

A.W.’s recommendation is to talk to other people in your field. People are “open books”, take advantage of their expertise.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

A.W.’s telephone number: (940) 549-8238

A.W.’s email address: hoovesandhornscowtoons@outlook.com