Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Bridges, Trekell Art Supplies.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started working at Trekell & Co, Inc about a month after graduating high school. My first position was in the factory printing the names of different companies on the handle of the brush. Trekell used to produce nail brushes for acrylic finger nails and private labeled them. The artist brushes have always been a part of the company but wasn’t the main focus. After working here for several years and being promoted, I was given the task to grow the artist brush side of the company. With the help of many amazing artists we met and social media, Trekell Art Supplies began to thrive and is now the main focus of the company.
Please tell us about your art.
We sell and produce professional artist supplies at Trekell Art Supplies. Our Red Sable and Kolinsky Sable brushes are still made in house, along with our panels and frames. Founder, Brian Trekell, started making brushes in 1984 because there was such a high demand in the nail industry. He applied to same idea to the artist brushes because of the lack of professional quality ones that were available. We know that we won’t appeal to the masses because we aren’t in every art supply and craft store, but we enjoy producing a solid product that is appreciated by those who do use them. The relationships we have made and ideas that are given to us by the artists we work with has been so rewarding that it keeps us going day after day.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Social Media has helped a lot of artists get their work in front of an audience, but there are a lot of distractions that come along with it. Having your work stand out in front of the other companies, artists, friends, etc. that show up in a user’s feed is a challenge. Plus, the constant changes in algorithm makes the task even harder. Stepping back and realizing that artists have made it big without the help of social media is hard to do since it seems to be the way anyone gets recognized today. I’m a firm believer in networking and have had many instances where a face-to-face interaction has brought something huge to the table for us. Sitting behind a computer screen or phone will only get you so far. Social Media is necessary but it’s only one part of a balanced marketing plan.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view all of our products at trekell.com and follow us on our social media pages. Raw Materials Art Supplies in Downtown LA and Graphaids in Culver City, Long Beach and Agoura Hills carry a small selection of our brushes.
Contact Info:
- Address: Trekell Art Supplies 17459 Lilac St, Suite B Hesperia, CA 92345
- Website: www.trekell.com
- Phone: 800-559-6345
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trekell_art_supplies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrekellArtSupplies
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/trekell_art
- Other: You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_t3BMmjEkHfcUAT-Ga3-sQ?view_as=subscriber
Image credit:
Natalia Fabia – Self portrait painting
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