Startup advice wanted

[tomcat]

I've been airbrushing for a long time now but I've only recently started to get into automotive painting. I've been wanting to go full time but I can't decide the best way to go about it, I can't work from home because I don't have the room. I can't rent premesis because I can't afford it, I haven't started to advertise either yet as I have only my small unheated garage to work out of. How did you lot get started full time?, was it a gradual thing or did you just take a chance?. Where do you work from is it from home or your own shop?.

Any and all suggestions gratefully received.

[Whit]

Try a local Paint/Body shop !!!
Most welcome the opprotunity to
offer custom work and work a deal
with them !!! After you've become
established,,, options are open !!!
At that time,, if you want,,, you
can afford to open your own shop
and already have the word/mouth
advertising working to your advantage !!!
It takes time to get the word out but
this gives you the advantage of an
existing business helping you get started !!!

[tomcat]

As I work for a salvage company I go to loads of crash repair centres everyweek, not sure if custom work is on the menu though after a crash!.

[colourshift]

I met a pro painter via a workshop I went to, and we became friends...I'm helping with his airbrushing, he's teaching me how to paint cars & clear. Did some work for shop he's at, and I've been fortunate to have access to their paint booth when I need it. (he joined recently, illfx, aka Moe)
I only shoot acrylics or AutoAir at home, in the living room...which is where my studio is set up. I dust a lot. Anything else, and I'd have to hang more at the shop, as I'm just not set up for anything else at the moment.
My point being, if home is your only recourse, AA would be a good way to do the graphics....and talk to a local shop or two...ask if you can do clears there...maybe work out something in trade?

[Whit]

Never hurts to have a "Friend" with a spraybooth !!!:partyalone:

[mongoose]

I made a small shop in my basement with just the basics. Quickly small simple jobs were coming in and I found myself getting busy. Bit by bit I bought more tools and paints. I worked in an autobody shop later on and people were coming to the shop for paintjobs until after about 3 years I quit and worked at home full time. If you started painting T-shirts you might get the word out. It doesnt take much space to do and work near an open window if you have too. It's not much but it's a small start.

[blinddog 99]

Great question Tomcat. I began by doing sample panels for myself. I ride a motorcycle, so once when I was taking it in for service (Harley dealership), I showed them some of my stuff. They loved it and exclaimed how hard it was to find decent airbrush work. I did some helmets for them, and a banner (didn't take pics, but I can still get one of the banner I think). Then out of the blue, I get a call from a local bike builder who hear about me. I only work at home, even though I have a huge shop, its a sign shop. I paint when I want, as I have the sign shop as my main duty, but I am near a point where I could just paint. I bumped into the local Yamaha dealership owner just the other day, and when I told him what I did, he asked me to do work for him! I haven't yet, as I haven't the time, but word can spread pretty quickly.

[Lizard]

Top Question Tomcat - I has about to ask the same question to

[gphood]

Hi Craig

If you haven't got the funds to set yourself up fully then your only realistic option is to find a local bodyshop who can deal with those parts of the job that you can't do yourself - that's how I started. I was offered an upstairs workroom at a motorcycle repair shop in Halifax for about £100 a month where I could turn out my artwork. I still had a full time job at that point so I didn't have to earn a living straight away. It allowed me time to develop what I was doing and also put the word out that I was looking for someone to take care of my lacquering and polishing. I was introduced to a chap called Steve Edwards (http://www.steve-edwards.com) who was setting himself up in business in converted stables at the back of his house. He turned out to be just what I was looking for. He pays a great deal of attention to the quality of his work and was also happy to teach me as many of the different facets of his work as he could. I worked with him for a couple of years which really helped me get going and build up my own skill set.

I've since moved away from the area but I still use Steve if I need candy work doing or a large job lacquering and polishing. I currently share a unit with a car repair company but I'm hoping to move into larger place with a local bodyshop who are also looking to expand. They are happy to help with my work and I can offer them an airbrushing service as well. Fingers crossed it'll all come together.

The best thing you can do is get yourself started and put your feelers out straight away. Once word is out you'll soon find someone who can offer you what you're looking for. People seem to like airbrush artists and would love to be associated with what they're doing so you've just got to let them know you're there.

All the best