Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevork Cholakian.
Kevork, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always gravitated toward art even at a young age. I took weekend classes at the Art Students league in NY then attended the High school of Music and Art earning a BFA from Pratt Institute where I studied fine art and graphic design. I didn’t end up pursuing a fine artist or design career as I had thought but instead ended up working in television as graphic designer before moving up the executive ranks in media companies for many years. Rewarding and challenging at first but in the end proved to be very unsatisfying and left me feeling unaccomplished. I had always managed to find time to do my personal art here and there throughout my career but when the opportunity finally came that allowed me to leave the corporate world and follow my own path it was an incredible feeling.
At first, I focused on my fine art but it felt too confining to me. I explored other mediums and found ceramics as a way of extending the range of my art in the form of sculpture. As a painter, my work is realist in nature which I carried over into my sculpture. I love incorporating representations in everyday objects in my work and as a result started developing ceramic sculptures that were both functional and art. It really started opening up a new world of creativity for me…one that offered a different path from where I started. I found a way to combine all the skills I have learned from graphic design to fine art. I decided to create a website to see if there would be a viable market for unique crafted functional art. I focus on small quantities, not mass production, and even make my own packaging.
I started slow and just experimented making stuff I wanted to make for the first year. As I got more serious about it I decided I needed a better working studio environment and found myself moving down to the LA Arts District. The vibe is very industrious and inspiring because of all the like minded people working, living, and creating down here. I also feel like I have almost all I need around me…Akin to my New York roots. I have been able to set up a small operation where I can make my products, package, and ship to anywhere in the world. It feels good and I hope to make it a success by offering unique and special products that everyone will want to have and keep for a long time.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have no shortage of product ideas that I want to develop. I purposely started taking it slow while trying different approaches to find the right markets for me. I’ve been able to sell through some other well-established retail sites like Houzz and Amazon Handmade as well as some brick and mortar shops like The Gallery of Functional Art in Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station. My ultimate goal is to build brand awareness so people can come directly to me. I tried traditional advertising but the biggest challenge has been learning the best way to promote and navigate the world of advertising and social media ads in trying to get some buzz for my work. Without a lot of money, hiring a company was out of the question. I’m experimenting with different platforms, tutorials, website services, etc.
KAC Studios – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The most important thing for me is to CREATE THINGS THAT PEOPLE WANT TO OWN AND KEEP FOREVER. KAC Studios offers unique one-of-a-kind art pieces and decor for the home. My passion for the arts and crafts movement inspires me to create objects that imbue art, design and function. Everything is handmade in my studio and I love all aspects of creating, manufacturing and packaging. My own aesthetics motivates me to make things that I would want to own myself. What sets my work apart is the objects themselves are unique and not found anywhere else. Even though they are produced in multiples…no two are the same. The small production runs and limited editions keep the collections special.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is loving what I do and having people love what I do so that I can sustain the ability to keep doing it.
Pricing:
- Price ranges in ceramic ware vary from $45-$115
- Limited edition bronze pieces range from $250-$700
Contact Info:
- Address: 1340 E. 6th Street, unit 504 Los Angeles, CA 90021
- Website: https://www.kacstudios.com
- Phone: 310-779-6330
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kacstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kacstudios/
Image Credit:
Kevork Cholakian
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