Businesses are not all brick and mortar or provide a product specifically for customers. Often times a creative endeavor can lead to a flourishing business. Our next guests shares his story…
Please introduce yourself to our readers…
My name is Bruce Gray, and I have been working as a sculptor in Los Angeles since 1989. My works have been exhibited at many museums, art galleries, in about 50 books, and frequently in movies and on TV. My large-scale commissions include sculptures for several airports, universities, hospitals, and much more.
Can you tell us what company you work for?
I am self-employed as a full-time sculptor at Bruce Gray Sculpture.
What is your title there?
Owner, artist, sculptor
What are the exact responsibilities of your job?
Sculpting, welding, fabrication, designer, photographer, website design, accounting, marketing, sales.
What is it about your job that makes you love it?
There is nothing that compares to working for yourself. I also get to make interesting one of a kind things every day, almost like having high school shop class every day for the rest of your life. I get to call all the shots on how and where I sell my art, and what kind of creations I make. It is very rewarding to have an idea in your mind and then have this new creation in front of you within a few hours or days.
What particular skills or talents are most essential to completing your tasks?
High level welding and metal working skills, photographer of all completed sculptures, website design and maintenance for marketing and selling the works.
What level of education would you say is required to perform your role?
I have a BFA in Design, but if you have skills in metalworking, photography and computers, you don’t necessarily need any particular level of education.
Do you find that you bring your work home with you? (And is that a good or bad thing?)
I have a live in studio in an art community. I am always at both work and home. I love the no commute deal.
How does this job compare to other jobs you’ve held in the past?
This is far more rewarding, and everything I make is my creation. It can be more stressful at times when business gets slow, but other than that, I love it. My previous jobs were not as rewarding in any way, but I do miss the social scene of working with a bunch of cool people, and all the parties.
What is your favorite food?
Sushi and seafood.
Thanks for sharing Bruce! Be sure to follow Bruce on his social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sculpture-by-Bruce-Gray/157545717617705
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sculptorla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BruceGray?feature=mhee