Mom of the Month
September 2009
Welcome to the Whimsical World of Michelle
Dugan
Michelle Dugan, Artist - Outta the Blue
Studios, LLC
http://www.outta-the-blue.com
http://outtatheblue.etsy.com
http://Moonikins.etsy.com
What is your biz?
I am a self-taught Artist/Muralist in New Jersey who specializes
in creating whimsical children's room murals, canvas wall art,
and room decor. Also, lately, I have been creating alot of
custom Pet Portrait paintings, which I really have been
enjoying!
Passions?
Well, for one, I am very passionate about my artwork and become
very involved with every piece. I am also extremely passionate
about my two children, they are a very important part of my
life, as well as, my business. Oh, and I must mention my two
adorable chihuahua's (spoiled rotten chihuahua's)!
Why did you decide to start a home business?
I decided to start a home-based business many years ago when my
children were just babies. I wanted to be home with them but
still wanted a way to contribute some income to the family. I
had so much fun creating the childrens' Nurseries that I decided
to offer my services to friends and family to start the very
beginning of my Portfolio. It worked and I couldn't be happier
with my decision to start this type of business.
Has the economy affected your business?
Unfortunately, yes, my business has been affected by the
economy, as my services are more of a "luxury" item than a
necessity and within these uncertain times most potential
client's choose diapers over wall decor. I'm confident that
things will pick up again, but in the meantime I am very
grateful for any online orders I receive through my three
websites and also for anyone that commissions me to paint either
a Mural , painting, or Pet Portrait.
How do you promote your business?
Most of my advertising has been "word of mouth", honestly! A
happy customer makes for many, many more!
Do you use social network (facebook, twitter, MySpace) and
how do they help?
I do use Facebook and Twitter. But, since I'm not much of a
social butterfly, I don't think I'm on them enough to show any
progress. If I keep up on it, I will let you know how they help,
but for now I haven't noticed any difference.
What is the best advice you could offer to someone just
getting started?
Probably the best advice I could give to someone just starting
out would be to....LOVE WHAT YOU DO! If you have a real passion
for something, it will show in whatever you do and the
rest will
just fall into place!!
What inspires you?
Oh my....there are so many things that inspire me....from a
shadow on the wall to a decadent dessert! I find a lot of my
inspiration from cute things or things that can be "turned into"
CUTE!! I might see a chipmunk run across my lawn and then look
over to see my coffee mug .... I see an adorable fuzzy chipmunk
climbing out of a colorful coffee mug and will start drawing it
on paper. If I like the idea....it will go to canvas and be
created!
Some days are more inspiring than others, but for the most part,
I can usually find some sort of inspiration around me!
What is your favorite quote?
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is
limited.
Imagination encircles the world." ~ Einstein
You will find Michelle's work featured in these fine
magazines.
